Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has explained the reason behind his visit to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, saying the meeting was to formally announce his return to office and seek guidance to ensure lasting peace in the state.
Governor Fubara, who resumed duty on September 19 following the lifting of a six-month suspension and emergency rule in Rivers, met with the president on Monday evening for a private discussion.
Speaking with journalists after the closed-door meeting, Fubara described the engagement as a “father-and-son” conversation. He said the interaction was both an appreciation visit and an opportunity to seek the president’s counsel on sensitive issues to avoid a repeat of political tensions that had previously destabilized the state.
“You already know the suspension was lifted on the 17th, and I officially resumed on the 19th,” Fubara said. “I came here to inform Mr. President that I am back in office and to thank him. It was also about seeking his guidance so we can prevent any crisis from happening again.”
The governor’s visit comes as Rivers State begins a fresh chapter after months of uncertainty under emergency rule. His assurance of cooperation with the federal government signals a renewed effort to restore calm and rebuild public trust in the state’s leadership.