President Tinubu allegedly engaged in heated exchange with Fubara

An intense meeting convened by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, reportedly saw heated exchanges targeting Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara over the demolition of the Rivers House of Assembly Complex amid a power struggle with former Governor Nyesom Wike.

The gathering, intended for peace talks, witnessed President Tinubu’s strong rebuke of Governor Fubara’s actions during the session held on Monday.

Sources present at the meeting, which included Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, former Rivers State Governor Peter Odili, as well as chairpersons from both the PDP and the APC in Rivers State, confirmed President Tinubu’s vehement stance against Governor Fubara.

Expressing deep displeasure, President Tinubu condemned the demolition of the House of Assembly Complex, labeling it a “desecration of democracy.”

He passionately defended the sanctity of democratic institutions, citing his own experiences in governance and the respectful interaction he maintained with legislative bodies during his tenure as Lagos State Governor.

The governor had previously attributed the demolition to safety concerns following an explosion and fire incident in October. However, suspicions linger that the act was aimed at halting the impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara.

During the meeting, President Tinubu drew parallels to his own political disputes in Lagos, highlighting his approach of adhering to due process and refraining from taking unilateral actions, referencing the scenario with former Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

Emphasizing adherence to the rule of law, President Tinubu urged all parties involved in the Rivers State crisis to maintain peace and operate within legal frameworks.

The discussions also outlined terms for a peace agreement between Governor Fubara and Wike, stipulating the reappointment of officials who resigned from the Rivers State Government, readmission of lawmakers who defected from the PDP to the APC, and a reevaluation of the state’s 2024 budget, previously signed into law by the governor.

While acknowledging Wike’s potential to remove Governor Fubara from office, observers noted President Tinubu’s inclination toward giving Fubara another opportunity amidst the prevailing tensions.