The escalating political crisis in Rivers State has taken a dramatic turn, with calls mounting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene as a peacemaker. This plea comes against the backdrop of renewed impeachment proceedings initiated against the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Political Commentator Pins Hope on Tinubu's Mediation
In a recent interview, political analyst and presidential loyalist Atoyebi Paul expressed strong confidence in President Tinubu's ability to resolve the feud. He described the President as "a king of settlement" and stated he would withhold further commentary on the Rivers situation until Tinubu steps in. Paul's remarks highlight the widespread perception of the President as a master political strategist and negotiator.
Paul also defended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who is Fubara's predecessor and now his main political adversary. He emphasized Wike's crucial role in securing Rivers State votes for President Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, suggesting this influence should not be overlooked. "The APC shouldn't have allowed Fubara to switch parties without Wike's approval," Paul argued, pointing to the existing political arrangement that delivered the state.
Impeachment Proceedings Escalate the Feud
The political tension reached a new peak on Thursday, January 8, 2026, when the State House of Assembly commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara. Lawmakers have accused the governor and his deputy of gross misconduct and financial irregularities, serving them notice of the intent to impeach.
This marks the third time such an impeachment notice has been served since Fubara assumed office in 2023. The ongoing power struggle between Fubara and Wike, who was instrumental in his rise to power, has plunged the oil-rich state into prolonged political instability.
Tinubu's Previous Interventions and Assembly's Stance
President Tinubu has previously intervened on two occasions to douse tensions in the state, with one intervention involving a declaration of a state of emergency. However, the current impeachment move indicates those past settlements have not held.
In a firm stance, Enemi George, the spokesperson for the Rivers State House of Assembly, stated that only a constitutional change could halt the current move to remove the governor. This condition underscores the assembly's determination to see the process through, further complicating the path to peace.
As the crisis deepens, all eyes are on Abuja, with many stakeholders awaiting President Bola Tinubu's next move. His reputation as a political maestro is now being put to the test in one of Nigeria's most politically volatile states.
