Summary:
Former Governor Ayodele Fayose reveals he cautioned Governor Fubara against turning on Nyesom Wike during his inauguration, as fresh impeachment proceedings and Presidential interventions define the deepening crisis in Rivers State.
The lingering political turbulence rocking the oil-rich Niger Delta region has drawn a sharp reaction from former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, who disclosed that he foresaw the potential friction between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Speaking on the complexities of political loyalty, Fayose revealed that during Fubara’s swearing-in ceremony, he had personally admonished the new governor to remain loyal to his benefactor. However, the political veteran expressed shock at how quickly the relationship deteriorated, plunging Rivers State into a protracted governance crisis.
“I was sitting on the high table the day Governor Fubara was sworn in… and I told Wike that I want to say one or two things to Fubara not to betray you,” Fayose stated during a televised interview, lamenting that his fears have now materialized into a full-blown political war.
Impeachment Clouds Gather
Fayose’s revelation comes at a precarious moment for the Fubara administration. The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule and loyal to Wike, has initiated fresh impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
The lawmakers have levied severe allegations of gross misconduct against the executive, ranging from the unauthorized demolition of the Assembly complex and extra-budgetary spending to defying Supreme Court rulings regarding financial autonomy for the legislature.
Presidential Intervention 2.0
As the crisis threatens to spiral out of control, President Bola Tinubu has reportedly stepped in once again to broker peace. Sources indicate that high-level diplomatic shuttles are currently underway, with Governor Fubara reportedly jetting off to France to meet with the President. Simultaneously, the FCT Minister has been summoned for crucial talks outside the country.
This latest intervention follows a previous breakdown of law and order in March 2025, which forced the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency and appoint a sole administrator to oversee the state temporarily.
Despite his membership in the PDP, Fayose reiterated his unalloyed support for President Tinubu, emphasizing that his political choices are made in the open. “I supported Asiwaju Tinubu in 2023, and I didn’t hide it,” he affirmed, noting that truth must always take precedence over partisan sentiments in resolving national issues.