President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday met privately with Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The meetings, held separately, have stirred considerable interest among political observers.
The encounter with Governor Fubara was particularly notable, coming at a time when political activities in Rivers State have become increasingly unsettled. Rumours have grown regarding his standing within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), adding further intrigue to his visit to the nation’s capital.
Fubara arrived at the Villa at about 5:01 p.m. and was welcomed by the Presidential Protocol Liaison Officer before proceeding to the President’s office. The meeting lasted just over forty minutes and was conducted entirely behind closed doors.
When he emerged at around 5:45 p.m., the governor offered no comments to reporters who sought clarity on the nature of his engagement with the President. No official statement had been released at the time this report was compiled, leaving the content of their discussions a matter of speculation.
Earlier in the day, Governor Nwifuru also held a private session with the President. The purpose of his visit, like that of Governor Fubara, was not disclosed, and both parties maintained strict silence afterwards.
The timing of the meeting with Fubara has drawn particular interest following the defection of seventeen members of the Rivers State House of Assembly last Friday. The lawmakers abandoned the PDP for the All Progressives Congress (APC), significantly altering the political landscape in the state.
Their defection has sparked intense debate about the future of political power in Rivers, with analysts suggesting that the shift could reshape the state’s legislative balance and influence future governance decisions. It has also raised questions about the governor’s political stability.
As uncertainty continues to surround the unfolding developments, President Tinubu’s engagements with both governors are being carefully watched. Many believe the conversations may be part of broader efforts to address emerging political fault lines and maintain national cohesion.
