By Wellington Jopelo
President Bola Tinubu has stepped in again to calm the growing political crisis between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following a fresh impeachment move against the governor. A trusted source close to the Presidency said the President has summoned Wike for a private meeting outside Nigeria to address the situation.
The source also disclosed that Governor Fubara recently travelled out of the country and plans to meet Tinubu in France, as tensions rise in Rivers State over moves by lawmakers loyal to Wike to remove the governor and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, from office.
According to information gathered, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, on Thursday, began impeachment proceedings against Fubara. During plenary, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, read allegations of gross misconduct against the governor.
The accusations include the demolition of the Assembly complex, spending funds outside the approved budget, withholding money meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and refusing to comply with a Supreme Court ruling on the House’s financial independence.
Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu was also accused of reckless use of public funds, blocking the Assembly from carrying out its duties, and allowing unapproved persons to occupy offices without clearance from lawmakers.
Amaewhule said the impeachment notice would be formally served on the governor within seven days and announced that the House would resume sitting on January 15. He described the move as lawful and necessary, accusing Fubara of failing to present the 2026 budget to the Assembly.
The allegations mirror earlier claims made before Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025, which led to the temporary suspension of Fubara and Odu. After Tinubu’s intervention at the time, both Fubara and Wike agreed to a truce.
However, tensions resurfaced months later, with both men trading accusations publicly. Wike accused Fubara of breaking their agreement, while the governor made indirect remarks believed to be aimed at his predecessor.
Speaking on the latest impeachment plot, a top Presidency source said the President had already moved to stop the situation from escalating. “The President is aware of what is going on and has summoned Wike. This matter will not be allowed to get out of hand,” the source said.
The source warned that removing the first Ijaw governor of Rivers State could trigger unrest. “If care is not taken, this could push youths back to the creeks, affect oil production, and harm the economy. The President will not allow that,” he added.
Another senior official confirmed that Tinubu is currently in France and is expected to travel to Abu Dhabi, noting that only a meeting with the President would justify Wike’s reported trip abroad. Talks are also ongoing within the ruling party on how national leaders will engage Tinubu once he returns to Nigeria.