• Tinubu intervenes in Rivers crisis, summons Wike for talks abroad as Fubara travels to France to meet the President
• Fresh impeachment move against Rivers Gov Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Ngozi Odu sparks APC, security, and ethnic concerns
• APC leaders, aides warn Wike’s actions could threaten stability, oil production, and party unity
President Bola Tinubu has stepped in to halt the escalating political crisis in Rivers State following moves to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Credible sources say the President has summoned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for a meeting outside Nigeria, amid fears that the standoff could undermine national stability.
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Sources close to the Presidency disclosed that Tinubu is deeply concerned about the renewed impeachment push by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Wike.
The lawmakers recently initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, citing allegations ranging from gross misconduct and financial impropriety to refusal to comply with court rulings.
It was also gathered that Fubara travelled out of the country on Thursday on a private jet, with plans to meet Tinubu in France as part of efforts to resolve the crisis.
The impeachment notice, read during plenary by the Majority Leader of the House, accused Fubara of demolishing the Assembly complex, engaging in extra-budgetary spending, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and disobeying the Supreme Court’s ruling on legislative financial autonomy.
Odu was similarly accused of reckless spending and obstructing the Assembly’s constitutional duties.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, described the impeachment move as being in the interest of Rivers State, adding that the notice would be served on the governor within seven days, while plenary was adjourned until January 15.
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The development comes less than a year after Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Fubara and Odu for six months in March 2025, following a breakdown of governance. Although Tinubu later brokered a truce between Fubara and Wike, tensions resurfaced shortly after the emergency rule ended.
Presidency sources warned that allowing the impeachment to proceed could have grave consequences, including renewed unrest in the Niger Delta and disruptions to oil production.
One official described Wike’s role in the crisis as an affront to the President and a threat to national interest.
Within the APC, senior officials have expressed displeasure over the situation, insisting that Wike should respect the President and party hierarchy. Party leaders are reportedly planning to meet Tinubu on his return to Nigeria to press for decisive action.
While Wike’s allies denied that the minister was disrespecting the President or instigating the impeachment, critics within the party warned that his conduct could portray Tinubu as weak and damage the party’s standing nationwide.
Former senator Andrew Uchendu also described the prolonged crisis as an embarrassment to Rivers State, calling for a broad-based dialogue involving elders and stakeholders to end the dispute.
Meanwhile, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose said only prayers and divine intervention could save Fubara from impeachment, advising the governor to adopt a more conciliatory approach toward political allies.
Despite the turmoil, Wike on Friday urged political leaders in Rivers State to embrace unity, saying collaboration under a “Rainbow Coalition” would help deliver development and secure Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
