President Tinubu Intervenes in Rivers Crisis, Asks Wike to Halt Fubara’s Impeachment
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly intervened in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, asking the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to halt moves to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
According to political sources, the president also urged Governor Fubara to show respect to Wike, whom he reportedly described as the political leader of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structures in Rivers State.
The intervention comes amid escalating tensions between Wike and his successor, Governor Fubara, a fallout that has plunged the state into months of political instability. The rift has played out through parallel party structures, legal battles, and repeated attempts by the state House of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against the governor.
Sources familiar with the meeting said President Tinubu expressed concern that the crisis could undermine governance and security in Rivers State if allowed to escalate further. He reportedly appealed to Wike to rein in his loyalists in the State Assembly and allow room for dialogue and reconciliation.
At the same time, the president was said to have advised Governor Fubara to acknowledge Wike’s political influence in the state and avoid actions that could further inflame tensions. Tinubu reportedly stressed the importance of unity and cooperation among political actors, regardless of party differences.
The power struggle in Rivers State has drawn national attention, given Wike’s role as a key political figure and ally of the president, despite his PDP background. His influence across party lines in the state has remained a major factor in the unfolding crisis.
Reactions to the president’s reported intervention have been mixed. Some political observers welcomed the move, describing it as necessary to restore stability and prevent a constitutional crisis. Others, however, criticised the suggestion that an unelected official should be recognised as the leader of multiple party structures within a state.
As of the time of this report, neither Wike nor Governor Fubara has publicly commented on the details of the president’s directive. The Rivers State House of Assembly has also remained silent on whether impeachment plans have been formally suspended.
The situation remains fluid as stakeholders await further developments, with many hoping that the president’s intervention will lead to a lasting resolution of the political standoff in Rivers State.
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