…Fubara may join APC
Indications have emerged that President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sim Fubara last week had a secret meeting in London over the recent State of Emergency imposed on Rivers State.
A news report carried by Africa Report, had indicated that both Tinubu and Fubara had met in London during the recent visit to work out modalities for returning Rivers State to the path of peace.
But a Presidential aide who was privy to the meeting, while confirming that the meeting actually took place, added that It was aimed at restoring peace to the troubled oil-bearing community.
According to the Presidential aide, “The meeting was part of the efforts by the President to find a lasting solution to the ongoing political crisis in that region.
BusinessDay gathered that the meeting followed an earlier meeting held between Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, and the Lawmakers loyal to him in the Rivers State House of Assembly which also took place in London, shortly after Tinubu declared the State of Emergency in Rivers State.
“Yes, it was a close door meeting in London. The President is looking beyond the six months period set for the State of Emergency”.
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BusinessDay gathered that the FCT Minister however did not attend the meeting.
It will be recalled that President Tinubu had on Thursday last week left France for London, but even though, no reasons was advanced for the sudden change of plans.
Bayo Onanuga, Presidential Spokesman had on the 2nd of April stated that the President would go to France on a working visit.
Feelers from the meeting indicated that the President was also planning a peace meeting between Governor Fubara on one hand and the FCT Minister and his political allies on the other hand, as part of efforts to restore peace and democratic rule in Rivers State.
A yet to be confirmed report said suspended Governor Fubara was given the offer of defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for a lasting peace in Rivers State.
This is because the FCT Minister, who dictates the political direction of the State, has openly insisted on backing President Bola Tinubu for a second term and wants to carry everyone in his State along.
Wike, while speaking with Journalists recently in Abuja said he had supported the President during the last election, insisting that it was in line with the decision to give the Presidency to the South.
It was not immediately confirmed if Fubara, the Vice Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party Governors’ Forum would want to join the defected 27 PDP Lawmakers, who earlier moved to the APC or not.
