Rivers Crisis: Is Wike Driving Fubara’s Impeachment?
By Naija Enquirer Staff
The political crisis in Rivers State has deepened following the commencement of impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, with growing focus on the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Public opinion remains sharply divided, as supporters of the embattled governor accuse Wike of influencing the process, while his allies insist the impeachment is a constitutional matter driven solely by the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In Port Harcourt, supporters of Governor Fubara took to the streets in protest, chanting slogans such as “Wike is not God” and urging the former governor to focus on his ministerial responsibilities. Videos circulating from the demonstrations show protesters accusing Wike of interfering in Rivers State politics and reaffirming their support for Fubara as the duly elected governor.
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has also condemned the impeachment proceedings, describing them as contrary to the will of the people. The IYC President, Alaye Theophilus, directly accused Wike of fueling political instability in the state and called on President Bola Tinubu to remove him from office. The group reaffirmed its support for both Fubara and Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This is the second impeachment attempt against Governor Fubara in less than a year, following a similar move in March 2025 that culminated in the declaration of a temporary state of emergency in the state.
Tinubu’s Role
The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), USA, has joined calls for federal intervention. NADECO President, Lloyd Ukwu, warned that alleged involvement by Wike could threaten party cohesion and worsen political tensions in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political analyst Arc Uche Rochas described the impeachment attempts as “a slap in the face” for President Tinubu, arguing that siding with Wike could be interpreted as prioritising personal interests over national stability.
Wike Speaks
While Wike has not directly commented on the impeachment proceedings, he has openly criticised Governor Fubara in recent weeks. During a visit to Asari-Toru Local Government Area, the former Rivers governor described Fubara as “a bad child” for cancelling a youth employment programme initiated under his administration.
Wike accused the governor of abandoning development projects and reversing key initiatives implemented before the transfer of power.
Rivers Assembly’s Position
The Rivers State House of Assembly has rejected claims of external interference. Assembly spokesperson Enemi George said the lawmakers are acting strictly within the provisions of the constitution, cautioning against linking the impeachment process to partisan or personal interests.
The Assembly formally commenced impeachment proceedings last Thursday, citing allegations of extra-budgetary spending, demolition of the Assembly complex, withholding statutory funds, and disregard for a Supreme Court ruling on legislative financial autonomy.
The deputy governor, Ngozi Odu, is accused of reckless spending, obstructing legislative activities, and approving budgets without the consent of the Assembly.
Political Fallout
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has opposed the impeachment process, warning that it could deepen political divisions and destabilise governance in the state.
With supporters of both Governor Fubara and Minister Wike mobilising across Rivers State, the political future of the state remains uncertain, and questions surrounding Wike’s influence in the unfolding crisis remain unresolved.
