There are strong indications that President Bola Tinubu has once again stepped into the escalating political crisis between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as tensions continue to rise in the state.
A highly placed source close to the Presidency revealed that Tinubu has summoned Wike over the Rivers political crisis, with plans for the meeting to take place outside the country. The source added that the President is determined to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
It was also gathered that Governor Fubara travelled out of Nigeria on Thursday aboard a private jet, with arrangements underway for him to meet the President in France.
The renewed intervention comes amid a fresh impeachment move against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly said to be loyal to Wike. During plenary presided over by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, read out allegations of gross misconduct against the governor.
The lawmakers accused Fubara of demolishing the Assembly complex, engaging in extra-budgetary spending, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and refusing to comply with the Supreme Court ruling on the financial autonomy of the legislature. Similar allegations were levelled against the deputy governor, including reckless and unconstitutional spending, obstruction of the Assembly’s duties, and allowing unauthorised persons to occupy offices without legislative screening.
Amaewhule said the impeachment notice would be served on the governor within seven days and adjourned plenary until January 15, describing the process as being in the interest of Rivers State. He also accused Fubara of ignoring requests to present the 2026 budget to the House.
The allegations are similar to those raised before the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the six-month suspension of the governor and his deputy by Tinubu in March 2025. Although the President had previously mediated the dispute and secured a truce between Fubara and Wike, tensions resurfaced barely months after the emergency rule was lifted.
A senior source said the President is concerned that the impeachment move could destabilise the Niger Delta and negatively affect oil production. According to the source, removing the first Ijaw governor could provoke unrest, a scenario the President is keen to avoid.
Another presidential aide confirmed that Tinubu is currently in France and expected to proceed to Abu Dhabi, though he said only Wike or his aides could confirm whether a meeting had been formally scheduled.
Within the All Progressives Congress, discontent is said to be growing over the situation. A senior party official disclosed that national leaders were considering engaging the President, expressing concern that the crisis could damage the party’s image. Some party leaders believe Fubara should be allowed to complete his tenure, even if he does not seek a second term.
An ally of Wike dismissed claims that the minister was behind the impeachment plot, insisting that the Rivers lawmakers acted independently. She also rejected suggestions that Wike was disrespecting the President, describing him as a strong supporter of Tinubu.
However, a member of the APC National Working Committee warned that the unfolding events could undermine national interest and portray the President as weak if left unchecked. The official urged Tinubu to rein in the minister to prevent further escalation.
Former Rivers East senator, Andrew Uchendu, described the prolonged crisis as an embarrassment to the state and called for a roundtable dialogue involving all stakeholders and elder statesmen to resolve the dispute.
Former Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, also weighed in, saying only intense prayers and fasting could save Fubara from impeachment. Drawing from his own political experience, Fayose advised the governor to adopt a conciliatory approach and carefully manage political relationships.
Meanwhile, Wike has called for unity among political leaders in Rivers State. Speaking during a visit to Andoni Local Government Area, the FCT minister urged stakeholders to work together under what he described as a “Rainbow Coalition” and to continue supporting President Tinubu, stressing that cooperation and collective leadership were necessary for peace and development in the state.
