President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stepped into the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, directing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to halt all efforts to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara, in a move aimed at restoring stability in the oil-producing state.
The intervention comes after months of political tension between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, whose rivalry has dominated the state’s political landscape since Fubara assumed office in May 2023. The dispute has repeatedly spilled into the public arena, with lawmakers believed to be loyal to Wike initiating impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, over allegations of gross misconduct.
Presidential aides and sources familiar with the matter said Tinubu issued the directive shortly before departing on an official visit to Türkiye. The president reportedly ordered an immediate suspension of all impeachment actions while efforts to broker peace and restore functional governance continue.
As part of the mediation process, Tinubu is said to have emphasized the need for calm, dialogue, and cooperation among the feuding political actors. He reportedly warned that prolonged instability could erode public trust in government and threaten economic activities in Rivers State, a key contributor to Nigeria’s oil revenue.
Sources also indicated that the president called for mutual respect between both camps, urging Governor Fubara to acknowledge Wike’s political influence in the state. Discussions surrounding upcoming by-elections for two vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly were also said to form part of the broader reconciliation efforts.
The crisis has drawn concern from civil society organizations, political observers, and regional stakeholders, many of whom have called for restraint and adherence to democratic processes. Analysts warn that continued hostilities could weaken governance and undermine democratic norms in the state.
Despite the presidential intervention, some lawmakers had earlier maintained that impeachment proceedings were a constitutional duty and should not be influenced by political considerations.
Tinubu’s latest move underscores the federal government’s determination to prevent further escalation of one of Nigeria’s most closely watched state-level political disputes, particularly as the country gradually looks ahead to the 2027 general elections.
