Tinubu summons Wike as Fubara faces fresh impeachment threat in Rivers

Fresh indications suggest that President Bola Tinubu has stepped in to address the escalating political conflict between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

According to Punch Newspaper, the President has invited Wike for a crucial meeting to discuss the worsening crisis in Rivers State.

A presidency insider told the publication that the meeting is expected to take place outside Nigeria. In a related development, Governor Fubara was said to have departed the country on Thursday aboard a private jet, also with intentions of meeting the President in France.

This intervention comes at a time when lawmakers loyal to Wike in the Rivers State House of Assembly have reportedly initiated a fresh impeachment move against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Dr. Ngozi Odu.

Commenting on the developments, the source said, “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 insider further described the minister’s actions as a challenge to Tinubu’s authority, warning that mishandling the situation could spark unrest in the Niger Delta.

He added, “What is happening is outright disrespect to the President by Wike, and it is against national interest.

One of the reasons a state of emergency was declared in Rivers in March last year was the fear of a breakdown of law and order and the attendant consequences for oil production.

“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.”

Another senior aide to the President noted that he was unaware of the alleged meeting with Wike, confirming only that President Tinubu was currently in France with plans to proceed to Abu Dhabi in the UAE.

The official stressed that the FCT minister had no official assignment in the UAE except if summoned by the President.

He said, “Only Wike or his aides can say if there is any scheduled meeting between him and the President.

“When Fubara was moving to the APC, he met with the President, who approved his decision. The President also confirms that governors are the leaders of the party in their states.”