President Bola Tinubu has held a private meeting in London with suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as part of efforts to de-escalate the ongoing political crisis in the state.

According to The Africa Report, the meeting was initiated at Fubara’s request, with the aim of discussing modalities for restoring peace and stability to the oil-rich region.

This marks the first official engagement between both parties since President Tinubu suspended Fubara and declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, appointing Navy Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as sole administrator.

A presidential aide who confirmed the meeting said it was part of broader peace-building efforts.

The meeting was part of the President’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the crisis in Rivers State, the aide disclosed.

Notably absent from the meeting was Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Fubara’s former political ally and a key figure in the conflict. Sources suggest Wike was uneasy about such high-level discussions occurring without his involvement.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu is expected to meet with Fubara, Wike, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly in the coming days to further explore a permanent resolution to the political standoff.

This new development follows an earlier meeting in London between Wike and lawmakers loyal to him an indication that behind-the-scenes negotiations are intensifying.