Fubara returns after Tinubu talks, attends church service as impeachment threat, Wike feud deepen

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Sunday made his first public appearance after returning from an overseas trip reportedly connected to consultations with President Bola Tinubu, amid renewed impeachment moves against him by the state legislature.

Fubara attended a special church service at St Cyprian’s Anglican Church in Port Harcourt to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day. The governor was accompanied by his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, and other top government officials.

The appearance followed the Rivers State House of Assembly’s decision last Thursday to initiate fresh impeachment proceedings against the governor, the third such attempt in less than three years, further heightening political tension in the state.

Although the purpose of Fubara’s foreign trip was not officially disclosed, sources said the governor travelled on a private jet with plans to meet President Tinubu in France, as the impeachment crisis escalated.

The renewed confrontation is widely seen as a continuation of the bitter rift between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Once Wike’s chosen successor, Fubara has since broken ranks, triggering a fierce struggle for political control of Rivers State that has repeatedly drawn in the legislature, the courts and the presidency.

Lawmakers loyal to Wike have accused the governor of gross misconduct, allegations the state government has yet to formally respond to. Earlier impeachment efforts collapsed following judicial intervention and political mediation, but the latest move has revived concerns over governance paralysis in the oil-producing state.

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day service honoured fallen Nigerian servicemen and women who died in defence of the country’s unity and sovereignty, with prayers also offered for those currently serving.

While Fubara has maintained public silence on both the impeachment allegations and his reported meeting with Tinubu, his return and appearance alongside senior officials underscored the high political stakes as the standoff with Wike and the Assembly deepens.