President Bola Tinubu has once again stepped into the escalating political rift in Rivers State, summoning Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike for urgent talks abroad amid a fresh impeachment push against Governor Siminalayi Fubara by lawmakers aligned with his predecessor.
Sources close to the presidency confirmed Tinubu, currently traveling overseas, arranged a meeting with Wike in Dubai while Fubara departed Nigeria on Thursday via private jet to confer with the leader in France.
A highly placed insider warned of the risks posed by Wike’s actions, stating: “The President must see the danger in what Wike is doing, though I am aware that he has summoned him to a meeting in Dubai… Wike cannot impeach Fubara; the President will call him to order.”
The source described the maneuvers as “outright disrespect to the President by Wike, and it is against national interest,” adding: “One of the reasons a state of emergency was declared in Rivers in March last year was the fear of a breakdown of law and order and the attendant consequences for oil production.”
The intervention follows Thursday’s assembly session where Majority Leader Major Jack tabled a seven-point impeachment notice against Fubara, accusing him of gross misconduct including the demolition of the assembly complex and withholding funds for its service commission.
Deputy Majority Leader Linda Stewart leveled similar charges at Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, alleging “reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds” and obstruction of legislative duties.
Speaker Martins Amaewhule, presiding over the session, called the process “good and in the interest of Rivers State,” criticizing Fubara for failing to present the 2026 budget and undermining the assembly.
Wike’s camp denied any presidential slight, with an ally insisting: “People accusing the minister of disrespecting the President are mischievous. It is not about the President, and Wike is a number one supporter of Mr President.”
Senior All Progressives Congress officials voiced discontent, with one revealing plans to meet Tinubu upon his return, saying: “Our leaders are unhappy that Wike is threatening Fubara like when they were both in the PDP… Some of our leaders believe that Wike should have respected the President and the party.”
Another APC national working committee member urged Tinubu to rein in Wike, warning: “For a minister to instigate actions likely to lead to insecurity and a breakdown of law and order shows a lack of regard for the President and national interest.
Former Senator Andrew Uchendu termed the crisis an “embarrassment” to Rivers, calling for dialogue: “Mr President should step in and call the parties to order.”
Ex-Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose suggested divine intervention for Fubara, saying: “I’m not a prophet but I’m telling you, so many prayers, fasting and prayers will be the only thing that can save Fubara in this one.”
Wike, during a local visit, promoted unity under a “Rainbow Coalition” backing Tinubu, declaring: “We don’t have a party in Rivers State. What we have is the Rainbow Coalition under the Renewed Hope Family… There’s no negotiation about that.”
