Wike in Limbo as Pressure Mounts on Tinubu to Reinstate Suspended Governor Fubara by June 12

Wike in Limbo as Pressure Mounts on Tinubu to Reinstate Suspended Governor Fubara by June 12

 

 

With Nigeria’s Democracy Day just around the corner, the political crisis in Rivers State continues to stir national attention, as prominent figures, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, intensify pressure on President Bola Tinubu to reinstate suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara ahead of the symbolic June 12 celebrations.

 

The embattled governor has been out of office since March 18, when President Tinubu controversially declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and the state legislature. The decision, widely criticized by legal experts and opposition figures, has drawn scrutiny for its constitutionality, as many argue that neither the president nor the National Assembly has the authority to suspend a sitting governor outside of impeachment procedures.

 

At the center of the crisis is the bitter political fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor-turned-political rival, Nyesom Wike, now serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The standoff, rooted in a struggle for control over the state’s political machinery and key appointments, exploded into full-blown political warfare earlier this year.

 

Sources close to the presidency reveal that Jonathan has personally reached out to Tinubu in a series of discreet engagements, including a lengthy phone call, urging the president to reverse what many have called an “unconstitutional action” in the spirit of Democracy Day — a date commemorating Nigeria’s enduring, albeit fragile, democratic journey since 1999.

 

June 12 and the Stakes for Democracy

 

June 12, now recognized as Nigeria’s Democracy Day, honors the historic 1993 election won by the late Chief MKO Abiola, whose annulment set the country on a turbulent path toward its eventual democratic rebirth. President Tinubu, a veteran of that struggle, has repeatedly expressed commitment to preserving democratic values.

 

In his June 12 address last year, Tinubu pledged to defend Nigeria’s democratic system, warning that internal and external forces could attempt to derail it. Now, many observers argue, that vow is being put to the test in Rivers State.

 

“This suspension is an aberration,” said Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress. “Mr. President knows that terrible lies were told about Governor Fubara to undermine him. He must act now to right this wrong.”

 

Behind Closed Doors: Private Meetings and Political Calculus

 

Adding to the intrigue, Fubara has held two private meetings with President Tinubu — one in London and another recently in Lagos. The confidential discussions reportedly focused on resolving the crisis and possibly reinstating the suspended governor before the full six-month suspension lapses on September 18.

 

While details remain guarded, photos from the Lagos meeting suggest a thaw in relations, with Fubara seen warmly engaging the president. Insiders believe the Lagos talks were pivotal in reshaping Tinubu’s view of the suspended governor, who has since publicly urged his supporters to refrain from attacking the president or Minister Wike, signaling a desire for reconciliation.

 

“Fubara came to reassure the president of his loyalty,” one insider said. “He wants peace and is willing to work with Tinubu.”

 

Wike in the Dark?

Meanwhile, Wike appears increasingly sidelined. According to multiple sources, the FCT Minister was unaware of Fubara’s recent visits to Tinubu’s Bourdillon residence in Lagos. Once seen as the architect of Fubara’s political rise, Wike has publicly expressed disappointment over the governor’s perceived betrayal.

 

“How can I fight my son?” Wike asked during a recent media chat, referring to Fubara. But he was quick to add that the state of emergency had ironically shielded Fubara from impeachment — a development he finds deeply frustrating.

 

Observers now believe Wike’s political leverage may be diminishing as Tinubu recalibrates his alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections. Fubara, who has reportedly shown openness to joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), could become a vital ally for Tinubu in the South-South region if relations with Wike sour further.

 

Tinubu’s Political Endgame

Political analysts suggest that President Tinubu is walking a tightrope. Reinstating Fubara may alienate Wike, a key player in the 2023 presidential campaign. On the other hand, allowing the suspension to persist risks further damaging his democratic credentials and alienating influential backers like Jonathan and other former leaders.

 

To strengthen Fubara’s position, Tinubu has already presented Rivers State’s ₦1.4 trillion budget to the National Assembly — a move widely interpreted as a protective measure against possible impeachment attempts orchestrated by pro-Wike lawmakers.

 

Additionally, the president is reportedly weighing two strategic options: fully aligning with Fubara and easing him into the APC, or continuing to placate Wike while preserving the fragile peace in Rivers State.

 

The Road Ahead

As June 12 approaches, Nigerians await Tinubu’s next move with bated breath. Will the president uphold his promise to protect democracy by reinstating a duly elected governor? Or will political expediency outweigh constitutional fidelity?

 

Opunabo Inko-Tariah, a former media aide to Wike, believes the time for decisive action is now. “Tinubu doesn’t live in space,” he said. “He now knows the truth. Whether on June 12 or another day, the governor should be brought back.”

 

For now, the fate of Governor Sim Fubara — and perhaps the democratic fabric of Rivers State — rests in the hands of President Bola Tinubu. As history watches, the nation waits.