By Sochima Agbo

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly stepped in once again to address the deepening political crisis in Rivers State, following renewed moves to impeach suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

Credible sources disclosed that the President has summoned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over the escalating feud between him and Fubara. The meeting is expected to hold outside Nigeria as Tinubu is currently on a foreign trip. It was also gathered that Governor Fubara recently travelled abroad on a private jet, reportedly to meet with the President as part of efforts to resolve the impasse.

The intervention comes amid a fresh impeachment process initiated by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly alleged to be loyal to Wike. During a plenary session presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, lawmakers read out allegations of gross misconduct against Fubara, including the demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary spending, withholding of statutory funds, and failure to comply with a Supreme Court ruling on legislative financial autonomy.

Similar allegations were also levelled against Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, who was accused of unconstitutional spending and obstructing the functions of the Assembly. The Speaker announced that the impeachment notice would be formally served on the governor within seven days, with plenary adjourned to January 15.

Political observers note that the latest impeachment threat mirrors earlier accusations that led President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025, resulting in the six-month suspension of the governor and his deputy. Although Tinubu had previously mediated a truce between Fubara and Wike, tensions resurfaced shortly after the emergency rule was lifted.

Sources close to the Presidency said Tinubu is concerned that the renewed crisis could destabilise the state and undermine national interest, particularly given Rivers State’s strategic importance to the oil-producing Niger Delta. There are fears that further political instability could trigger unrest among youths in the region.

Within the All Progressives Congress (APC), party leaders are said to be unhappy with the situation and have concluded plans to brief the President on their concerns upon his return. Senior party figures reportedly believe that Wike’s actions could overheat the polity and portray the party and the Presidency in a negative light.

Meanwhile, reactions have continued to trail the development. Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, warned that Governor Fubara faces serious political danger, saying only strong reconciliation efforts and divine intervention could avert impeachment. On his part, former Rivers State senator, Andrew Uchendu, described the prolonged crisis as an embarrassment to the state and called for a broad-based dialogue involving elder statesmen.

Wike, however, has denied involvement in the impeachment plot and has instead called for unity among political leaders in Rivers State, urging them to focus on delivering dividends of democracy and sustaining support for President Tinubu ahead of 2027.

As the crisis unfolds, all eyes remain on President Tinubu’s next move, with many stakeholders hoping his intervention will restore political stability in Rivers State.