President Bola Tinubu has reportedly stepped in again to manage the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, as tensions between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara deepen following a renewed impeachment push in the State House of Assembly.
Multiple reports say the President has summoned Wike for talks outside Nigeria, amid fears that the standoff—if unchecked—could further destabilise Rivers State and threaten wider national interests, including security and oil production.
What triggered Tinubu’s latest intervention
The latest round of tensions intensified after the Rivers Assembly issued a fresh notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, as part of moves that could lead to impeachment proceedings.
According to Saturday PUNCH, Speaker Martin Amaewhule said the notice would be served within seven days and the House adjourned plenary to January 15.
Tinubu’s reported move: “summoned Wike” for a meeting abroad
PUNCH quoted a senior source saying Tinubu has intervened and summoned Wike for a meeting, expected to hold outside Nigeria while Tinubu is on a foreign trip (with references to France and onward travel).
The same report quotes internal concerns that the crisis has moved beyond local politics and could provoke backlash among groups who view the situation through ethnic and regional lenses—especially amid fears of renewed unrest that could affect the economy.
Background: Tinubu previously brokered a truce
This is not Tinubu’s first attempt to calm the Rivers crisis. PUNCH reports that the allegations being raised now resemble issues that surfaced before Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers in March 2025, during which Fubara and his deputy were suspended for six months, after which Tinubu mediated and both sides agreed to a truce.
However, the same report says the calm did not last, as both camps resumed verbal and political hostilities a few months later.
APC angle: ruling party leaders reportedly unhappy with Wike’s posture
Saturday PUNCH also reported that senior figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) are unhappy with Wike’s posture toward Fubara and are discussing how to engage Tinubu on the issue when he returns.
The report claims some party leaders believe Fubara—despite the political tension—should be allowed to complete his tenure, and that public threats and impeachment pressure worsen instability.
What others are saying: calls to halt impeachment moves
A separate report in Vanguard quoted an APC support group urging an immediate halt to the impeachment process, arguing it undermines Tinubu’s earlier peace efforts and risks destabilising the state further.
Guardian also reported ongoing political maneuvering around the crisis, including potential meetings involving Tinubu, as the Rivers row continues to generate national attention.
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