Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has declared that only sustained fasting and prayers can rescue Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, from the latest impeachment move by the state's House of Assembly. Fayose made this stark assertion during a live television appearance on Friday, January 9, 2026, squarely placing the blame for the ongoing political turmoil on Governor Fubara himself.
Fayose's Stark Warning to Fubara
Speaking as a guest on Channels Television's Politics Today, Fayose, a known ally of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, advised Governor Fubara to seek sincere reconciliation with his estranged political godfather. He emphasized that the political solution lies in mending fences with Wike, whom he accused Fubara of betraying.
"Many prayers would be said to save Fubara. So many fasts and prayers would be the only thing that would save Fubara in this one," Fayose stated emphatically during the broadcast.
A History of Betrayal and Broken Agreements
Fayose recounted being physically present at Fubara's swearing-in ceremony in Port Harcourt in 2023, where he claimed he warned Wike about the possibility of betrayal. According to him, Wike dismissed the concern, expressing full confidence in his protege.
The former governor accused Fubara of failing to honour agreements reached during peace talks brokered by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja. He expressed his surprise at the fallout, stating, "I never knew this incident would happen between Governor Fubara and Governor Wike now."
Fayose further appealed for divine intervention, saying, "My prayer is that God will enter his mind. The president will help calm him down, to remind him of the danger."
Third Impeachment Attempt Unfolds
The Rivers State House of Assembly reignited the impeachment process against Governor Fubara and his Deputy, Professor Mrs. Odu, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, citing allegations of gross misconduct. This marks the third such attempt since Fubara assumed office in 2023.
The first impeachment notice was served in October 2023 but was withdrawn following President Tinubu's mediation. A second attempt began in March 2025, which was abruptly halted when the President declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending all elected officials for six months.
Governor Fubara returned to office in September 2025 after the emergency rule was lifted, following a second peace deal. However, that agreement has also collapsed, with Wike publicly accusing Fubara of reneging on the terms.
Wider Criticism and Political Fallout
Fayose's comments align with growing criticism from other political figures. Former Senator Olaka Nwogu, who was part of a major reconciliation meeting in 2025, has also faulted Governor Fubara's integrity, alleging that all agreements with Wike were "flouted by the governor at one time or another."
The persistent crisis has led to significant political instability in Rivers State, with the assembly previously stripping the governor of the power to appoint local government caretaker committees. The situation remains volatile as lawmakers push forward with the latest impeachment proceedings, setting the stage for another major political showdown in the oil-rich state.
