…Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his estranged political mentor, Nyesom Wike, have shown a notable willingness to soften their positions
RIVERS, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Strong indications have emerged that the rising political tension in Rivers State over the impeachment threat against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, may soon ease, as both rival camps appear ready to de-escalate the crisis.
It was gathered at the weekend that the two central figures in the standoff, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and his estranged political protégé, Governor Fubara have shown notable willingness to soften their positions following engagements with a peace and reconciliation committee constituted by the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF).
Credible sources disclosed that the seven-member committee, chaired by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), first met with Wike in Abuja last Thursday before holding a three-hour meeting with Governor Fubara on Friday in Port Harcourt. The panel had earlier consulted the Chairman of the Rivers State Elders Council, Chief Ferdinand Anabraba, a close ally of Wike, and later met with elders and leaders from both camps in Port Harcourt.
A source familiar with the process described the meetings as “very fruitful,” noting that despite earlier public exchanges and sharp rhetoric, the outcome so far has been encouraging. According to the source, there is renewed hope that the committee’s intervention will bring lasting peace, appealing to Nigerians to allow the respected Niger Delta elders to complete their work.
The Agabi-led committee, inaugurated in Abuja last week, is expected to submit its report within two weeks. Observers believe its engagements with key stakeholders could produce a practical solution to end the political impasse in the state.
The source added that fears of failure would have been justified if either Wike or Fubara had declined to meet the committee. “But now, the process is progressing well, and there is strong reason to expect a positive outcome,” he said.
Meanwhile, fresh findings suggest a new reason behind the decision of Rivers lawmakers including four who earlier called for a political solution to reverse their stance and resume impeachment moves.
Investigations revealed that the lawmakers are seeking firm assurances from Governor Fubara regarding their political future, particularly guarantees of return tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“There is no real issue of gross misconduct,” a key political player who requested anonymity said. “What the lawmakers want is assurance that they will return to the Assembly. Given their current posture towards the governor, they are uncertain about their chances, and that is what they are negotiating.”
The source recalled that the crisis intensified after Governor Fubara defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December, explaining that the lawmakers feared political extinction without explicit assurances, especially since the governor would enjoy automatic ticket privileges in the party.
The same source alleged that Wike is also seeking political assurances from President Bola Tinubu, particularly regarding his continued relevance at the federal level. “If Fubara secures a second term and Wike loses his ministerial position, he believes his political influence would be severely weakened. That is why the Assembly is being used as leverage,” the source claimed.
Despite this, it was suggested that the impeachment process may not progress beyond its current stage, even as Wike is said to have limited direct access to the President.
In a related development, the Rivers State chapter of the APC has urged the state Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, to comply with a High Court order restraining him from receiving or acting on any impeachment-related correspondence from the Speaker, the Clerk of the Assembly, or other parties.
This came after the Assembly announced on Friday that it had forwarded a request to the Chief Judge to constitute a seven-member panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against Fubara and Odu.
However, the APC, in a statement signed by its spokesman, Darlington Nwauju, warned that the impeachment push amounted to a “choreographed legislative coup” that undermines the collective interest and growth of the party in Rivers State. The party called on the Chief Judge to obey the interim injunction issued in Suit No. OYHC/7/CS/2026.
The party further cautioned that the impeachment move, regardless of how the allegations are framed, remains subjective in the court of public opinion and poses a serious threat to the party’s survival in the state. It urged the national leadership of the APC to activate internal disciplinary mechanisms to avert further embarrassment.
Meanwhile, reports also emerged that over 50,000 Ijaw voters from Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states have allegedly transferred their voting units to Rivers State ahead of next year’s governorship election.
Confirming this, President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Dr. Alaye Theophilus, declared total support for Governor Fubara, describing him as an Ijaw son who must secure a second term. Similarly, President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, urged the APC leadership to shield the governor from impeachment, warning that any such move would be viewed as a betrayal of the Ijaw nation.
The Wike–Fubara crisis stems from a power struggle between the governor and his former political benefactor. Although Wike played a major role in Fubara’s election in 2023, their relationship deteriorated over disagreements on political control, legislative loyalty and governance.
The fallout led to repeated confrontations between the executive and a legislature aligned with Wike, triggering multiple impeachment threats and prolonged political instability. While President Bola Tinubu has intervened several times to broker peace including declaring and later lifting a six-month state of emergency in 2025, tensions have continued to resurface, with the current impeachment attempt being the latest flashpoint.
