President Bola Tinubu has again moved to intervene in the escalating political crisis between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following renewed impeachment threats against the governor.
Highly placed sources revealed that the President has summoned Wike for talks over the Rivers situation, with the meeting expected to take place outside Nigeria. It was also gathered that Fubara travelled abroad on Thursday, reportedly to meet with Tinubu as the crisis intensifies.
The intervention comes amid a fresh impeachment process initiated by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly against Fubara and his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu. During plenary presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, read allegations of gross misconduct against the governor, including extra budgetary spending, demolition of the Assembly complex and alleged disobedience to a Supreme Court ruling on legislative financial autonomy.
Sources close to the Presidency said Tinubu views the situation as a national concern, warning that the crisis could inflame tensions in the oil rich state and undermine economic stability.
Senior figures within the All Progressives Congress were also said to be uneasy with the development, accusing Wike of heating up the polity and disregarding party hierarchy. Party leaders are reportedly planning to brief the President upon his return to the country.
While aides to the FCT minister declined comment, an ally denied Wike’s involvement in the impeachment move, insisting that the Assembly was acting independently.
Meanwhile, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose cautioned that only divine intervention could save Fubara from impeachment, while urging the governor to adopt a more conciliatory approach.
Wike, however, has continued to call for unity in Rivers politics, urging stakeholders to work together in support of Tinubu’s administration.
