Tinubu holds crucial meeting with Rivers sole administrator ahead of emergency rule deadline

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday hosted a closed-door meeting with the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The high-level talks, which lasted for more than two hours, come just days before the September 18 expiration of the six-month emergency rule imposed in Rivers State last March.

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In March, Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly, citing escalating tensions and a breakdown of governance. Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, was appointed to lead the state with a mandate to restore stability.

While the Presidency has yet to disclose details of Wednesday’s discussions, sources at the Villa said the talks focused on transition plans, security updates, and preparations for a possible handover as the emergency rule draws to a close.

Last week, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, after participating in the Rivers local government elections, confirmed that the emergency measure would end on September 18.

The political feud between Wike and Governor Fubara had fueled months of unrest in the state, prompting Tinubu’s intervention and the imposition of emergency rule.

(Leadership)