By Enemona Samuel Endurance | The Bureau News
There are strong indications that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stepped into the escalating political crisis in Rivers State following a renewed impeachment move against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Highly placed sources disclosed that the President has summoned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over the deepening feud with the Rivers governor.
According to a senior source close to the Presidency, the proposed meeting is expected to take place outside Nigeria, as President Tinubu is currently on an official trip abroad.
The source further revealed that Governor Fubara travelled out of the country on Thursday via a private jet, with plans to meet the President in France.
Fresh Impeachment Process
The development comes amid a fresh impeachment process initiated against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly believed to be loyal to Wike.
During a plenary session on Thursday, presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, read a notice of allegations and claims of gross misconduct against the governor.
The allegations reportedly include the demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary spending, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and refusal to comply with a Supreme Court ruling on the financial autonomy of the House.
Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu was also accused of unconstitutional expenditure of public funds, obstructing legislative activities, and allowing unauthorised individuals to occupy government offices without Assembly approval.
The Speaker stated that the impeachment notice would be served on Governor Fubara within seven days and subsequently adjourned plenary to January 15.
He described the process as lawful and in the interest of Rivers State, accusing the governor of failing to present the 2026 budget to the Assembly.
Presidency Steps In
A top government official confirmed that President Tinubu was concerned about the political implications of the crisis and had intervened to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.
The source warned that sustained political tension in Rivers State could reignite unrest in the Niger Delta, with potential consequences for national oil production and economic stability.
Another senior presidential aide, however, said he was unaware of any confirmed meeting between the President and the FCT minister, noting that Tinubu was currently in France and expected to proceed to Abu Dhabi.
The aide added that only an official engagement with the President would justify Wike’s travel to the United Arab Emirates.
APC Leaders Express Concern
Senior figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) have also expressed concern over the crisis, with party leaders reportedly planning to meet President Tinubu upon his return to Nigeria.
An APC national official said the party was uncomfortable with the continued political tension in Rivers State, especially as Governor Fubara is now aligned with the ruling party.
The official added that some party leaders believe the governor should be allowed to complete his tenure in the interest of stability, regardless of future political calculations.
Criticism Mounts
A member of the APC National Working Committee described the situation as damaging to national interest, warning that prolonged political instability in Rivers State could worsen Nigeria’s existing security and economic challenges.
The official said the actions of key political actors were projecting weakness at the centre and urged the President to take decisive steps to restore order.
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.
Fayose Weighs In
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, said only prayers and divine intervention could prevent Governor Fubara’s impeachment.
Speaking on a television programme, Fayose advised the governor to adopt a more conciliatory approach, warning that political power can be lost quickly if alliances are mismanaged.
Wike Calls for Unity
Meanwhile, Wike has called for unity among political leaders in Rivers State, urging them to work together to deliver development and support President Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking during a visit to Andoni Local Government Area, the FCT minister said political leaders in the state had formed a broad coalition aimed at sustaining support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda ahead of 2027.
He noted that internal political disagreements would be addressed at a later time, adding that lessons had been learned from past political mistakes.
