Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has formally met with President Bola Tinubu days after being reinstated following the lifting of a six-month emergency rule in the state. The meeting took place at the State House, Abuja, on Monday evening. 

President Tinubu had lifted the emergency rule imposed on Rivers State which had suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly. The suspension ended on September 17, 2025, and governance was fully restored. 

Key Takeaways from the Meeting

Fubara arrived at the Presidential Villa around 6:20 p.m. to express gratitude to the President. He stated that the emergency rule had been lifted and that he and his deputy resumed their roles on September 19. 

Describing Tinubu as a father figure, Fubara said the meeting involved more than just a formal reinstatement. It was about restoring working relationships and ensuring peace in Rivers State. He emphasized that he and his “principal” are now aligned and working together. 

When asked if the peace restored in the state was only on paper, Fubara responded that, in his view, peace is real. He noted that his visit was to affirm his commitment to governance and to ask for guidance where necessary, especially in areas where past crises might reemerge. 

Context Around the Reinstatement

The emergency rule had been declared in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, after serious governance breakdown: conflicts between the executive and state legislature, stalled budget approvals, and concerns over escalating insecurity. During that period, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas was appointed as Sole Administrator. 

Tinubu’s decision to lift the emergency was based on intelligence that political actors in Rivers State had renewed cooperation. Fubara’s reinstatement marks the return of democratic governance in the state.