President Bola Tinubu has again moved to intervene in the escalating political confrontation between suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, amid renewed impeachment moves against the governor.
Sources close to the Presidency revealed that Tinubu has summoned Wike for a meeting over the Rivers crisis, with discussions expected to take place outside Nigeria. The President, who is currently abroad, is said to be keen on halting developments that could further destabilise the oil-rich state.
Meanwhile, Fubara reportedly travelled out of the country on Thursday aboard a private jet, with plans to meet Tinubu in France as the political tension intensifies.
Fresh impeachment moves
The renewed presidential intervention comes as lawmakers loyal to Wike in the Rivers State House of Assembly initiated a fresh impeachment process against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
During plenary on Thursday, presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, read out allegations of gross misconduct against the governor. The accusations include the demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary spending, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and failure to comply with a Supreme Court ruling on the House’s financial autonomy.
Deputy Governor Odu was also accused of reckless and unconstitutional expenditure, obstructing legislative duties, and allowing unauthorised persons to occupy government offices.
Amaewhule said the impeachment notice would be served on Fubara within seven days and adjourned plenary to January 15, describing the process as being in the interest of Rivers State.
The allegations mirror earlier charges that led Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025 and suspend Fubara and his deputy for six months. Although Tinubu later brokered a truce between Fubara and Wike, the peace collapsed barely three months after emergency rule ended, with both men trading accusations.
Presidency raises alarm
A senior source said the President was alarmed by the renewed impeachment push, warning that it could reignite instability in the Niger Delta.
“The President will not allow this to happen. Wike cannot impeach Fubara,” the source said, adding that the situation could provoke unrest among Ijaw youths and threaten oil production if not carefully managed.
Another presidential aide confirmed Tinubu was in France and would later travel to Abu Dhabi but said he was unaware of any scheduled meeting with Wike, noting that only an appointment with the President would justify such a trip.
At the APC national secretariat, senior party figures reportedly expressed displeasure with Wike’s actions, arguing that Fubara, as an APC governor, should be allowed to complete his term. Party leaders are said to be planning to raise the matter directly with Tinubu upon his return.
Mixed reactions
Attempts to reach Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, were unsuccessful. However, a close ally of the minister denied that Wike was behind the impeachment process, insisting that Rivers lawmakers were acting independently and dismissing claims that the minister was disrespecting the President.
Within the APC, concern is growing. A senior party official warned that Wike’s conduct could worsen insecurity and damage Tinubu’s standing, describing the FCT minister as increasingly confrontational and insensitive to national challenges.
Former Rivers East senator Andrew Uchendu also described the prolonged crisis as an embarrassment to the state, calling for a roundtable dialogue involving all parties and elder statesmen.
Former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose, speaking on television, said only “fasting and prayers” could save Fubara from impeachment, accusing the governor of failing to manage political relationships effectively. Drawing from his own impeachment experience, Fayose urged Fubara to adopt a more conciliatory approach.
Wike calls for unity
Amid the controversy, Wike called for unity among political leaders in Rivers State during a visit to Andoni Local Government Area. He said rival parties had come together under what he described as a “Rainbow Coalition” and urged leaders to remain united in support of Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Wike said local political issues would be addressed later, adding that mistakes made during the 2023 elections would be corrected.
As impeachment threats loom and tensions persist, all eyes are now on President Tinubu to see whether his latest intervention can prevent another political crisis in Rivers State.
