By Peter Omopo
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Monday met behind closed doors with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, amid renewed political uncertainty in the state.
The governor was seen by The PUNCH correspondent walking the corridors leading to the President’s office at exactly 5:01 p.m., dressed in a deep-blue long-sleeve shirt, black trousers and a black flat cap.
Earlier, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru had also arrived for a separate meeting with the President. Details of both engagements remain undisclosed at press time.
Fubara’s visit comes as speculation mounts that he may be considering a defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress following recent political upheavals in Rivers.
On Friday, December 5, 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike — and led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule — announced their defection from the PDP to the APC. The switch instantly altered the balance of power in the assembly.
Meanwhile, the three lawmakers believed to be loyal to Governor Fubara have not resumed sitting since emergency rule was lifted on September 18, increasing uncertainty over the governor’s political stability.
Fubara was reinstated earlier this year following the conclusion of the six-month emergency rule imposed by President Tinubu on March 18.
Governor Nwifuru, who also visited the Villa, has held several engagements with the Presidency in recent months, focusing on infrastructure and security issues in the South-East.
Further details of Monday’s meetings are expected in the coming hours.
