TINUBU MOVES TO DOUSE WIKE–FUBARA CRISIS AS FRESH IMPEACHMENT THREAT EMERGES

President Bola Tinubu has stepped in once again to contain the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, following renewed moves by the State House of Assembly to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

Multiple sources familiar with the development told Rooted Scope Media that the President has initiated high-level consultations aimed at preventing a breakdown of political order in the oil-rich state, amid deepening hostilities between Fubara and his estranged political benefactor, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

According to the sources, Tinubu has reached out to Wike for talks on the Rivers impasse, with discussions expected to take place outside Nigeria. The intervention comes as Fubara is also reported to have travelled abroad in a bid to secure the President’s direct engagement over the crisis.

The latest development follows the commencement of impeachment proceedings against the governor by lawmakers loyal to Wike. During a plenary session on Thursday, the Rivers State House of Assembly formally received a notice accusing Fubara of gross misconduct, including the demolition of the Assembly complex, unauthorised expenditure, and refusal to comply with judicial pronouncements on legislative financial autonomy.

The deputy governor was similarly accused of unconstitutional spending, obstructing legislative activities, and facilitating the occupation of government offices without due legislative approval.

Speaker of the House, Martins Amaewhule, announced that the impeachment notice would be served on the governor within seven days, describing the process as necessary to protect the interests of the state. Lawmakers subsequently adjourned sittings until January 15.

The development marks a resurgence of tensions that had earlier led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025, during which both the governor and his deputy were suspended for six months. Although Tinubu had brokered a truce between the feuding parties at the time, the fragile peace has since collapsed.

Political observers note that the renewed confrontation reflects unresolved power struggles between the two men, with Wike openly insisting that Fubara will not secure a second term, despite his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress.

Sources close to the Presidency warned that the impeachment drive poses broader national security and economic risks, particularly given Rivers State’s strategic role in Nigeria’s oil production.

However, conflicting signals have emerged from within the Presidency regarding the scope of Tinubu’s engagement. While some aides confirmed ongoing consultations, others said they were unaware of any scheduled meeting between the President and the FCT minister.

Efforts to obtain an official response from Wike’s camp were unsuccessful. However, an associate of the minister dismissed claims that he was orchestrating the impeachment, insisting that the lawmakers were acting independently.