Tinubu Bows to Pressure, Summons Wike Over Renewed Rivers Crisis
ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has again stepped into the lingering political crisis rocking Rivers State, summoning the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for an urgent meeting abroad over the renewed face-off with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Credible sources revealed that the President has invited Wike to a crucial meeting expected to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), where Tinubu is scheduled to travel after a brief stay in France. The intervention follows rising tensions in the oil-rich state amid fresh impeachment moves against Governor Fubara.
According to The Punch, a senior Presidency source disclosed on Saturday that Tinubu decided to act after becoming alarmed by Wike’s recent political maneuvers.
“The President must see the danger in what Wike is doing. I am aware he has summoned him to a meeting in Dubai. Barring any last-minute change, they are expected to meet abroad. Wike cannot impeach Fubara; the President will call him to order,” the source said.
The source warned that Wike’s actions could destabilise the Niger Delta and negatively affect the national economy, describing the situation as an “affront to the President.”
“If you say you want to sack the first Ijaw man to be governor, are you not sending the Ijaw people back to the creeks? That will have attendant effects on the economy, and the President will not allow that to happen,” he added.
Tension escalated on Thursday when 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, said to be loyal to Wike, initiated fresh impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
The impeachment notice, read by the Majority Leader, Major Jack, during plenary presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, listed seven allegations of gross misconduct against the governor. These include the demolition of the Assembly complex, alleged extra-budgetary spending, and refusal to comply with a Supreme Court ruling on legislative financial autonomy.
Deputy Governor Odu was accused of reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds, as well as obstructing the Assembly from carrying out its legislative duties.
Speaker Amaewhule defended the impeachment process, describing it as being in the interest of Rivers State, while accusing Governor Fubara of undermining the legislature by failing to present the 2026 budget.
The development mirrors the earlier impeachment crisis that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025. Although Tinubu’s intervention at the time restored temporary calm, the fragile peace collapsed months after the six-month emergency rule ended.
Wike has accused Fubara of breaching the terms of their post-truce agreement, while the governor has responded with subtle criticisms of his predecessor. The rift has since widened, with Wike reportedly vowing that Fubara would not secure a second term, even after defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
A senior aide to the President confirmed that Tinubu was aware of the escalating crisis but declined to verify reports of a planned meeting with Wike.
“Only Wike or his aides can say if there is any scheduled meeting between him and the President,” the official said.
However, a senior APC official confirmed that party leaders intend to meet Tinubu upon his return to Nigeria to discuss growing concerns over Wike’s conduct.
“Some of our leaders believe Wike should have respected the President and the party because Fubara is now one of our governors. Even if he won’t get a second term, he should be allowed to complete his tenure,” the official said.
Another APC National Working Committee member described Wike’s actions as “a show of disregard for the President, the APC, and national interest,” adding that the minister’s political activities were portraying the President as weak.
Efforts to reach Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, were unsuccessful. However, an ally of the minister denied claims that Wike was behind the impeachment plot, insisting that he remained a loyal supporter of President Tinubu.
Former Rivers East Senator, Andrew Uchendu, described the crisis as an embarrassment to the state and called for inclusive dialogue to resolve the dispute.
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, also weighed in, suggesting that prayers and fasting might be the only way to avert Fubara’s impeachment. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Fayose urged the governor to adopt a more conciliatory approach.
Meanwhile, Wike, during a “Thank You” visit to Andoni Local Government Area on Friday, called for unity among Rivers political leaders. He declared that the state had moved beyond partisan politics into what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition” aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We don’t have a party in Rivers State. What we have is the Rainbow Coalition under the Renewed Hope Family,” Wike said, urging continued support for President Tinubu.
