‘Wike cannot impeach Fubara’: Tinubu summons minister over gov’s impeachment plot

President Bola Tinubu has reportedly stepped in once again to address the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, following renewed moves to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

Sources familiar with the development said Tinubu has summoned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over the fresh impeachment threat, with plans underway for a meeting outside the country while Tinubu remains abroad.

According to the sources, Fubara also travelled out of Nigeria on Thursday and is expected to meet with the president in Europe.

The intervention comes after lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly, widely believed to be aligned with Wike, initiated impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy.

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

The new impeachment move mirrors earlier accusations that triggered the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025, which resulted in the suspension of both the governor and his deputy for six months.

Although Tinubu later brokered peace between Wike and Fubara, the truce reportedly collapsed a few months after emergency rule was lifted.

Fubara, deputy’s impeachment not suspended ― Rivers Assembly

A source said Tinubu views the latest development as a serious threat to stability in the Niger Delta and has moved to rein in the situation.

The source warned that renewed political turmoil in Rivers State could heighten tensions in the oil-producing region, with potential economic consequences.

“The president must see the danger in what Wike is doing, though I am aware that he has summoned him to a meeting in Dubai.

“You know the president is currently out of the country. Barring any last-minute change, they are expected to meet abroad. Wike cannot impeach Fubara; the President will call him to order,” the source told PUNCH.

However, a senior presidential aide said he was not aware of any scheduled meeting between Tinubu and Wike, noting that the president is currently in France and expected to proceed to Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), party officials expressed concern over the unfolding crisis.

Senior figures at the party’s national secretariat said plans were being made to brief Tinubu on their worries, warning that the situation could damage both the party and the presidency.

Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, had yet to speak on the development.

An ally of the minister, however, denied that Wike was behind the lawmakers’ actions and urged patience as events unfold.

The Star