According to The Africa Report, the meeting took place in London last week, shortly after Tinubu left Paris.

The meeting, it was learnt, was at the insistence of Governor Fubara, who has been desperate to return to office since the president declared a state of emergency in oil-rich Rivers State.

During the meeting, Fubara promised to make some compromises.

Negotiations are ongoing, but from all indications, his suspension will be lifted before the six-month deadline,” said an adviser to the president who wished to remain anonymous because he was not authorised to speak to the press.

Another presidential aide said Fubara is also open to joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to ingratiate himself with the president and then obtain cover.

“If Fubara joins the APC, it means the president’s chances of winning Rivers State are much higher,” he says.

The Africa Report was informed that Fubara’s estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike, was not part of the meeting and was uncomfortable with such meetings taking place behind his back.

However, Tinubu is expected to broker a meeting between Fubara, Wike, and the Rivers State lawmakers to find a lasting solution to the crisis in the state.