iDeemlawful—There are indications that President Bola Tinubu has once more stepped into the lingering dispute between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
According to a highly placed source, Tinubu summoned Wike over the escalating Rivers crisis.
The source, said to be close to the President, told Saturday PUNCH that the engagement is expected to take place outside Nigeria.
It was also gathered that Fubara travelled out of the country on Thursday aboard a private jet, with plans to meet Tinubu in France.
MOST READ ARTICLES
Fresh impeachment plot against Fubara
This development comes amid renewed impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, initiated by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly believed to be aligned with Wike.
At plenary on Thursday, presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice detailing allegations of gross misconduct against the governor.
The seven allegations against Fubara include the demolition of the Assembly Complex, extra-budgetary expenditures, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and refusal to comply with a Supreme Court judgment on the legislature’s financial autonomy.
Odu was also accused of reckless and unconstitutional spending, obstructing the Assembly from carrying out its constitutional functions, and allegedly collaborating to allow unauthorised individuals to occupy offices without legislative screening.
Amaewhule announced that the notice would be served on Fubara within seven days and adjourned plenary until January 15.
Describing the impeachment notice as “good and in the interest of Rivers State,” the Speaker accused the governor of ignoring calls to present the 2026 budget, which he said undermined the powers of the legislature.
The accusations against Fubara and Odu mirror earlier allegations made before Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended them for six months in March 2025.
Tinubu had previously mediated in the dispute, leading to a temporary truce between Fubara and Wike.
However, barely three months after the emergency rule was lifted, tensions resurfaced, with both men exchanging sharp remarks.
Wike accused Fubara of breaching their agreements, while the governor responded with subtle criticisms of his former political benefactor.
The renewed impeachment effort represents the height of the current confrontation, with Wike insisting that Fubara will not secure a second term even after defecting to the All Progressives Congress.
Tinubu’s intervention
Reacting to the fresh impeachment move, a senior source disclosed that the President had intervened.
“The President understands the danger in what Wike is doing. I am aware he has summoned him to a meeting in Dubai. The President is currently out of the country, and barring any change, they are expected to meet abroad. Wike cannot impeach Fubara; the President will call him to order,” the source said.
The source described Wike’s actions as a challenge to the authority of the President.
He warned that if the situation is mishandled, it could provoke unrest among Ijaw youths.
“What is happening is outright disrespect to the President and against national interest. One of the reasons emergency rule was declared in Rivers last March was fear of a breakdown of law and order and its impact on oil production.
“If you remove the first Ijaw governor, you risk pushing the Ijaw people back to the creeks, with serious economic consequences. The President will not allow that,” he added.
A senior presidential aide, however, said he was unaware of any planned meeting with Wike, noting that Tinubu was currently in France and would later travel to Abu Dhabi.
The aide said the FCT minister would have no reason to be in the UAE unless summoned by the President.
“Only Wike or his aides can confirm whether such a meeting exists,” the official said.
He also recalled that Tinubu approved Fubara’s defection to the APC and reaffirmed that governors remain party leaders in their respective states.
Meanwhile, a top administrative official at the APC national secretariat revealed that consultations were ongoing for party leaders to meet Tinubu upon his return.
He said dissatisfaction was growing within the party over Wike’s actions.
“Our leaders are unhappy that Wike is threatening Fubara the same way he did when both were in the PDP. Plans are underway to brief the President.
“Some believe Wike should respect the President and the party, since Fubara is now an APC governor. Even if he won’t seek re-election, many feel he should be allowed to complete his term,” the official said.
Efforts to reach Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, were unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered.
However, a close ally of the minister, speaking anonymously, said Wike would return to Abuja on Sunday but declined to discuss his subsequent itinerary.
Asked about the alleged meeting with Tinubu, the ally said, “Let’s wait for the day to come. There’s no need to rush things.”
She denied Wike’s involvement in the impeachment move, insisting that Rivers lawmakers were acting independently.
The ally also dismissed claims that Wike was disrespecting the President.
“Those accusing the minister of disrespecting the President are being mischievous. This is not about the President at all. Wike remains one of his strongest supporters,” she said.