President Bola Tinubu, suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. (State House)
There are strong indications that President Bola Tinubu has again intervened in the deepening political feud between suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
A highly placed source close to the Presidency told Frontline Reporters that Tinubu had summoned Wike over the escalating Rivers crisis, with the meeting expected to hold outside Nigeria.
Our correspondents also gathered that Fubara travelled abroad on a private jet on Thursday and was scheduled to meet the President in France.
Fresh Impeachment Plot
The renewed intervention comes amid a fresh impeachment process initiated against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly believed to be loyal to Wike.
At plenary on Thursday, presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, read a notice detailing allegations of gross misconduct against the governor.
The allegations include the demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary spending, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and refusal to comply with the Supreme Court ruling on the financial autonomy of the legislature.
Odu was similarly accused of reckless and unconstitutional spending, obstructing legislative activities, and conniving to allow unauthorised persons to occupy offices without Assembly approval.
Amaewhule said the notice would be served on Fubara within seven days and adjourned plenary to January 15, describing the impeachment move as being in the “interest of Rivers State.”
Notably, the allegations mirror those earlier levelled against Fubara and Odu before Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025 and suspended them for six months.
Although Tinubu had earlier brokered a truce between Wike and Fubara, tensions resurfaced barely three months after the emergency rule ended, with both men trading accusations.
Wike has since vowed that Fubara would not secure a second term—even after defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Tinubu Steps In
A top presidency source said the President viewed the renewed impeachment push as dangerous.
“The President must see the danger in what Wike is doing. He has summoned him to a meeting abroad. Wike cannot impeach Fubara; the President will call him to order,” the source said.
The official warned that the crisis could inflame ethnic tensions and disrupt oil production.
“If you sack the first Ijaw governor, you are sending Ijaw youths back to the creeks. That will affect the economy, and the President will not allow that,” he added.
Another senior aide confirmed that Tinubu was currently in France and would proceed to Abu Dhabi, noting that Wike would have no reason to be in the UAE without a presidential appointment.
APC Unease
At the APC national secretariat, a senior administrative official disclosed that party leaders were unhappy with Wike’s posture and were planning to meet Tinubu upon his return.
“Our leaders believe Wike should respect the President and the party. Even if Fubara is not seeking a second term, he should be allowed to complete his tenure,” the official said.
Efforts to reach Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, were unsuccessful. However, an ally of the minister dismissed claims of disrespect toward the President, insisting that Wike remained one of Tinubu’s strongest supporters and had no hand in the impeachment process.
Party Leaders, Elders React
A member of the APC National Working Committee warned that Wike’s actions were portraying the President as weak and undermining national stability.
“For a minister to instigate actions that could lead to insecurity shows disregard for national interest,” the official said.
Former Rivers East senator Andrew Uchendu also described the prolonged crisis as an embarrassment, calling for a roundtable involving all stakeholders and elder statesmen.
“Mr President should step in and call the parties to order,” Uchendu said.
Fayose: Only Prayers Can Save Fubara
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose said only prayers and fasting could save Fubara from impeachment.
Fayose accused Fubara of ingratitude toward Wike and warned that political power could slip away quickly.
“The emergency rule was a saving grace for Fubara. Once you are impeached, that is the end,” Fayose said.
Wike Calls for Unity
Meanwhile, Wike urged political leaders in Rivers State to embrace unity, speaking during a “thank-you” visit to Andoni Local Government Area.
He said parties in the state had united under a “Rainbow Coalition” and called for support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
“We don’t have a party in Rivers State; what we have is the Rainbow Coalition under the Renewed Hope family,” Wike said, adding that mistakes made in 2023 would be corrected.
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