Wike vs Fubara: President Tinubu steps in, might meet Wike somewhere outside Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has stepped in again to manage the escalating political standoff between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, amid renewed impeachment threats in the state.

Sources familiar with the development said the President has invited Wike to an urgent meeting outside Nigeria following the latest flare-up in tensions.

The engagement is expected to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, after Tinubu’s brief visit to France.

A senior presidency source told The Punch on Saturday that the President was concerned about the direction of events in Rivers and had decided to personally intervene.

“The President must see the danger in what Wike is doing. I am aware he has summoned him to a meeting in Dubai. Barring any last-minute change, they are expected to meet abroad. Wike cannot impeach Fubara; the President will call him to order,” the source said.

The source warned that Wike’s actions could have wider consequences beyond Rivers State, describing them as “an affront to the President” with the potential to destabilise the Niger Delta.

“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,” he added.

Political tension intensified on Thursday when 27 lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly, aligned with Wike, commenced fresh impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.

The impeachment notice, presented by the Majority Leader, Major Jack, during plenary presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, listed eight allegations of gross misconduct against the governor. These included the demolition of the Assembly complex, alleged extra-budgetary spending and refusal to implement a Supreme Court ruling on legislative financial autonomy.

Deputy Governor Odu was accused of “reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds” and “obstructing the Assembly from performing its duties.”

Amaewhule defended the lawmakers’ action, describing the impeachment process as “good and in the interest of Rivers State,” while accusing Fubara of undermining the legislature by failing to present the 2026 budget.

The latest crisis echoes the earlier impeachment attempt that culminated in the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025. Although Tinubu’s intervention at the time restored calm, the truce between Wike and Fubara reportedly collapsed months after the six-month emergency rule ended.

Wike has since accused Fubara of breaching agreements reached after the crisis, while the governor has responded with subtle criticisms of his predecessor. The rift has deepened further, with Wike openly stating that Fubara would not secure a second term in office, despite his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A senior presidential aide confirmed that Tinubu was closely monitoring developments but declined to verify reports of an overseas meeting.

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

However, a senior APC figure disclosed that party leaders planned to meet the President upon his return to Nigeria to express concerns over Wike’s conduct.

“Some of our leaders believe Wike should have respected the President and the party because Fubara is now one of our governors,” the official said.

“Even if he won’t get a second term, he should be allowed to complete his tenure.”

A member of the APC National Working Committee also criticised Wike’s role in the crisis, calling it “a show of disregard for the President, the APC, and national interest.”

“For a minister to instigate actions that could lead to insecurity and a breakdown of law and order shows a lack of respect for the President,” the official said, adding that Wike’s frequent political tours and public comments were “projecting the President as weak.”

However, a close ally of the minister dismissed claims that Wike was behind the impeachment move.

“People accusing the minister of disrespecting the President are mischievous. Wike is the number one supporter of Mr President,” she said.

The ally confirmed that Wike would return to Abuja on Sunday but did not say whether he would meet Tinubu abroad.

Former Rivers East Senator Andrew Uchendu described the situation as “an embarrassment to the people of Rivers State” and urged the President to convene an inclusive dialogue.

“Mr President should step in and call the parties to order,” Uchendu said.