President Bola Tinubu has once again stepped into the escalating political feud between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. This latest intervention comes amidst fresh tensions and a renewed impeachment plot against the state governor.
Presidential Intervention Amidst Rising Tensions
According to a highly credible source close to the presidency cited in a report on Saturday, January 10, 2026, President Tinubu has summoned the FCT minister for a crucial meeting. The source disclosed that the meeting is scheduled to take place outside Nigeria, with Dubai mentioned as a likely location, coinciding with the President's current trip abroad.
The source emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating: "The president must see the danger in what Wike is doing... Wike cannot impeach Fubara; the President will call him to order." It was also gathered that Governor Fubara himself departed Nigeria on a private jet on Thursday, January 8, with plans to potentially meet with President Tinubu in France.
Denials and Counter-Claims in the Political Drama
In a swift rebuttal, an anonymous ally of Minister Wike has denied the former Rivers governor's involvement in the impeachment moves against Governor Fubara. The ally claimed that the state's lawmakers are independently driving the actions.
The ally also dismissed assertions that Wike was disrespecting President Tinubu through his political maneuvers. "People accusing the minister of disrespecting the President are mischievous. It is not about the President, and Wike is a number one supporter of Mr President. So, that claim is not correct," the ally stated.
Background of a Lingering Crisis
This development marks another chapter in the protracted political war in Rivers State. President Tinubu had previously mediated in the crisis towards the end of 2025, brokering a truce between the two powerful figures. However, barely three months after that intervention, the feud has resurfaced with renewed intensity.
The crisis has also drawn reactions from other political quarters. A senior official at the All Progressives Congress (APC) national secretariat indicated that discussions are ongoing for party leaders to meet with President Tinubu upon his return to Nigeria to address the matter.
Furthermore, a former National Assembly member, Senator Olaka Nwogu, recently criticized Governor Fubara, alleging that agreements made to resolve the crisis "were flouted by the governor at one time or another." This highlights the deep-seated nature of the disagreements threatening the stability of Rivers State.
