President Bola Tinubu has once again intervened in the protracted political crisis gripping Rivers State, involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Credible sources indicate that President Tinubu summoned Wike for a crucial meeting abroad to address the renewed face-off, which has intensified tensions in the oil-rich state. According to a top presidency source, the meeting is expected to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), following Tinubu's brief stay in France.

The presidential intervention comes amidst escalating concerns that Wike's actions could undermine President Tinubu's authority and potentially trigger widespread unrest in the Niger Delta region. The source emphasized that Wike's current stance amounted to an "affront to the President" and warned of dire consequences if the "first Ijaw man to be governor" were to be removed, potentially sending "the Ijaw people back to the creeks" and impacting the national economy. The President is reportedly determined to prevent such a scenario and will "call him to order."

Tension reached a new peak after 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who are staunchly loyal to Wike, initiated fresh impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu. During a plenary session presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, Majority Leader Major Jack read out seven allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara. These charges include the demolition of the Assembly complex, engaging in extra-budgetary spending, and a refusal to comply with a Supreme Court ruling concerning legislative financial autonomy. Deputy Governor Odu faces accusations of "reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds" and "obstructing the Assembly from performing its duties." Speaker Amaewhule publicly endorsed the impeachment move, framing it as being "good and in the interest of Rivers State," and specifically accused Fubara of undermining the Assembly by failing to present the 2026 budget.

This latest development echoes an earlier impeachment crisis that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers in March 2025. Despite President Tinubu's previous mediation efforts, the fragile peace agreement between Wike and Fubara collapsed mere months after the six-month emergency rule concluded. Wike has openly accused Fubara of reneging on their post-truce agreements, while Fubara has subtly criticized his predecessor. The rift has deepened, with Wike vowing to prevent Fubara from securing a second term, even after the governor defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

While a senior aide to the President acknowledged awareness of the escalating situation, they declined to confirm any scheduled meeting with Wike. However, a senior APC official confirmed that national leaders of the party intend to meet with President Tinubu upon his return to Nigeria to discuss the growing discontent over Wike's conduct. These leaders reportedly believe Wike should demonstrate greater respect for the President and the party, especially given Fubara's recent defection to the APC. Another member of the APC National Working Committee condemned Wike’s actions as a "show of disregard for the President, the APC, and national interest," adding that his public outbursts and frequent political tours were "projecting the President as weak."

An ally of Minister Wike, who preferred anonymity, denied his involvement in the impeachment plot, asserting that "Wike is the number one supporter of Mr President." The ally confirmed Wike's return to Abuja but did not verify any overseas meeting with Tinubu. Former Rivers East senator, Andrew Uchendu, described the crisis as "an embarrassment to the people of Rivers State" and called for an all-inclusive dialogue, urging President Tinubu to "step in and call the parties to order." Similarly, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose opined that "so many prayers and fasting will be the only thing that can save Fubara in this one," cautioning Fubara against ingratitude, and remarking that the earlier emergency rule was a "saving grace."

Meanwhile, during a "Thank-You" visit to Andoni Local Government Area, Wike called for unity among Rivers State's political leaders. He declared that the state has moved beyond partisan politics, embracing a "Rainbow Coalition" under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Wike urged all present to continue supporting Tinubu, emphasizing that "There’s no negotiation about that."