Tinubu steps in again as Wike-Fubara crisis escalates, summons FCT Minister 

Fresh indications have emerged that President Bola Tinubu has again intervened in the deepening political crisis between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, amid renewed moves to impeach the governor.

Punch Newspaper reports, quoting highly placed sources, that Tinubu has summoned Wike over the Rivers crisis, with the meeting expected to take place outside Nigeria.

A source close to the President disclosed that Wike had been invited for talks as concerns mounted over the political fallout from the renewed impeachment process against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

The source also confirmed that Fubara travelled out of the country on Thursday aboard a private jet, with plans to meet the President in France.

The development comes as lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly, said to be loyal to Wike, initiated fresh impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy.

During plenary on Thursday, presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, read a notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Fubara.

The seven allegations include the demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary spending, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and alleged refusal to comply with the Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to the legislature.

Deputy Governor Odu was similarly accused of reckless and unconstitutional spending, obstructing the Assembly from carrying out its constitutional duties, and allegedly allowing unauthorised persons to occupy government offices without legislative screening.

Amaewhule said the notice would be served on the governor within seven days and adjourned plenary until January 15, describing the impeachment move as “in the interest of Rivers State.”

He accused Fubara of ignoring repeated requests to present the 2026 budget, an action he said undermined the authority of the legislature.

Notably, the allegations mirror those previously levelled against Fubara and Odu before Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025, which led to their six-month suspension.

After Tinubu’s intervention at the time, Wike and Fubara had agreed to a truce. However, barely three months after the emergency rule was lifted, tensions resurfaced, with both men exchanging barbs.

While Wike accused Fubara of reneging on their agreements, the governor made thinly veiled criticisms of his former political benefactor.

The impeachment push is seen as the peak of the renewed confrontation, with Wike openly insisting that Fubara would not secure a second term in office, even after defecting to the All Progressives Congress.

Confirming Tinubu’s renewed involvement, a senior source said the President was alarmed by the developments.

“The President sees the danger in what is happening. I am aware he has summoned Wike for a meeting abroad. Barring any last-minute change, they are expected to meet outside the country,” the source said.

“Wike cannot impeach Fubara. The President will call him to order.” According to the source, the unfolding crisis amounts to an affront to the President and poses a national security risk.

“If care is not taken, this could push Ijaw youths back to the creeks,” he warned.

Another official said the impeachment move threatened oil production and economic stability. “One of the reasons a state of emergency was declared in Rivers last year was the fear of a breakdown of law and order and its implications for oil production,” the official said.

“If you attempt to sack the first Ijaw governor of Rivers State, you are sending a dangerous signal. The President will not allow that.”

A senior presidential aide, however, said he was not aware of any scheduled meeting between Tinubu and Wike, noting that the President was currently in France and expected to proceed to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

“Only Wike or his aides can confirm whether there is any appointment with the President,” the aide said.

He added that Tinubu had earlier approved Fubara’s defection to the APC and had reaffirmed that sitting governors are recognised as party leaders in their states.

At the APC national secretariat, a senior administrative official confirmed growing dissatisfaction with Wike’s actions among party leaders.

“Our leaders are unhappy that Wike is treating Fubara the same way he did when both were in the PDP,” the official said.

“Plans are ongoing for APC leaders to meet the President on the issue. Many believe that even if Fubara is not contesting again, he should be allowed to complete his tenure.”

Efforts to reach Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, were unsuccessful.

However, an ally of the FCT minister said Wike would return to Abuja on Sunday but declined to comment on his travel itinerary thereafter.