…Directs Gov to Accept FCT Minister As Political Leader
President Bola Tinubu has issued firm directives aimed at ending the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State, ordering Nyesom Wike to immediately halt all impeachment moves against Governor Siminalayi Fubara while instructing the governor to formally recognise Wike as the undisputed political leader in the state.
The latest intervention followed months of political brinkmanship that repeatedly pushed Rivers to the edge of instability, including threats of impeachment, legislative paralysis and a breakdown of governance
Tinubu had earlier stepped in December 2023 to broker peace between both men, but that truce collapsed, eventually leading to a six-month state of emergency declared on March 18, 2025.
According to a THISDAY report, Tinubu acted again just before departing for an official visit to Türkiye on January 26.
Sources said the president ordered an immediate suspension of all impeachment proceedings against Fubara, citing concerns over stability and governance in the oil-producing state.
Tinubu was said to have delivered a blunt message to the governor that Wike remains the political leader of Rivers State, whether under the All Progressives Congress or the Peoples Democratic Party, and must be respected in that capacity.
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The president reportedly warned that continued hostility between both camps would undermine governance and fuel instability, a situation he was not prepared to tolerate.
At the same time, Tinubu was said to have directed Wike to step back from any impeachment plots and allow Fubara govern without constant political pressure.
Sources familiar with the meeting said Tinubu emphasised respect for political hierarchy, drawing parallels with Lagos politics.
The president was quoted as asking, “Is Babajide Sanwo-Olu my leader in Lagos, or was Babatunde Fashola my leader when he was governor?”
As part of the peace deal, Fubara was instructed to make significant concessions, including formally acknowledging Wike as the political leader of Rivers State with final authority on party matters.
Tinubu also reportedly directed that candidates loyal to Wike be recognised by the APC ahead of the February 21, 2026, House of Assembly by-elections in Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies.
Sources said discussions around Fubara’s second-term ambition briefly came up but were deliberately shelved, with Tinubu reportedly describing any 2027 calculations as premature.