Fubara, Wike Engage Peace Panel as Rivers Lawmakers Set Condition to Drop Impeachment Threat

There are growing signs that the rising political tension in Rivers State over the impeachment threat against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, may soon ease, as key actors in the crisis appear ready to step back from confrontation.

Findings by Sunday Vanguard indicate that the two central figures in the dispute—the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and his estranged political protégé, Governor Fubara—have shown willingness to de-escalate following engagements with a peace and reconciliation committee established by the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF).

A reliable source disclosed that the seven-member committee, chaired by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), first met with Wike in Abuja last Thursday before holding a separate three-hour meeting with Fubara on Friday in Port Harcourt.

The committee, which had earlier consulted the Chairman of the Rivers State Elders Council, Chief Ferdinand Anabraba—a close ally of Wike—also met with elders and leaders from both political camps in Port Harcourt over the weekend.

“So far, those meetings were very fruitful,” the source said, adding: “Don’t forget that before now people had made public statements. A lot of things were said, but the outcome of those meetings is very encouraging. I can say that there is hope. A real renewed hope. Rivers people respect this committee and I will appeal to Nigerians to allow these illustrious sons and daughters of the Niger Delta region to do their work.”

The Agabi Peace Committee was inaugurated in Abuja last week and mandated to reconcile both camps and submit its report within two weeks. The source noted that the willingness of both Wike and Fubara to meet with the committee was itself a positive signal.

“If they had refused to meet with the committee, then there would have been a genuine reason to be afraid that the effort would not yield a positive result,” the source said. “But right now, things are going on very well and there is every reason to hope for the best outcome.”

Lawmakers’ Conditions Emerge

Meanwhile, new details have emerged explaining why Rivers State lawmakers— including four members who initially called for dialogue—briefly withdrew their impeachment push before resuming it.

Investigations revealed that the lawmakers are seeking firm assurances from Governor Fubara that they would be guaranteed return tickets in the 2027 general elections.

“There is nothing like a gross misconduct against the governor,” a key political actor who requested anonymity said. “What these people want is the assurance that they will return to the Assembly next year. With this attitude of theirs to the governor, they are not sure of coming back. That is the assurance they want.”

The source explained that the crisis worsened after Fubara defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December, raising fears among lawmakers about their political future.

“They knew the governor would have his automatic ticket in APC, and if they don’t get that assurance, then they would be dead politically,” the source said.

The same source alleged that Wike is also pursuing political guarantees, including retaining a ministerial position.

“Wike wants the same commitment from President Bola Tinubu. He wants to return as a minister. If Fubara wins a second term and Wike loses his appointment, he would be dead politically. The minister said so himself,” the source claimed.

According to the source, the impeachment may not progress beyond its current stage, but the FCT minister is using the Assembly as leverage due to limited direct access to the President.

APC Warns Against Impeachment Move

In a related development, the Rivers State chapter of the APC has called on the state Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, to comply with a High Court order restraining him from acting on impeachment-related correspondence.

The Assembly had announced on Friday that it forwarded a letter to the Chief Judge requesting the constitution of a seven-man panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against Fubara and Odu.

However, the APC, in a statement signed by its spokesman, Darlington Nwauju, urged the Chief Judge to respect the interim injunction in Suit No. OYHC/7/CS/2026.

“We note that Honourable members who trumpeted loyalty to our party and Mr President can give themselves to the unfolding choreographed legislative coup d’etat against the collective interest, growth and development of our party in the state,” the party said.

The APC warned that proceeding with impeachment would amount to legislative overreach and damage the party’s survival in Rivers State, urging the national leadership to intervene using provisions of the party’s constitution.

Ijaw Groups Rally Behind Fubara

Meanwhile, Ijaw groups across the Niger Delta have intensified support for Fubara. It was learnt that more than 50,000 Ijaw voters from Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states have allegedly transferred their voting units to Rivers State ahead of next year’s governorship election.

Confirming this, President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Dr. Alaye Theophilus, said: “We are solidly with Fubara. He is an Ijaw man. Yes, over 50,000 Ijaw people of voting age have transferred their units to Rivers State. Nobody wants to take any chances. Fubara must go for second term.”

Similarly, President of the Ijaw National Council (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, warned against any move to impeach the governor.

“If Fubara is eventually impeached, then we will see this as a betrayal of the Ijaw nation and it will not be good for our democracy,” he said. “Why is Fubara’s own different? He must be protected.”

Background to the Crisis

The political crisis in Rivers State stems from a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his former mentor, Nyesom Wike. Though Wike was instrumental in Fubara’s election victory in 2023, their relationship quickly deteriorated over control of political structures, legislative loyalty, and governance arrangements.

The conflict escalated into repeated impeachment threats by lawmakers aligned with Wike, leading to governance paralysis and legal battles. The latest impeachment process, initiated in early January 2026, was halted after a High Court issued an interim order restraining the Chief Judge from acting on the Assembly’s request.

President Bola Tinubu has intervened multiple times to stabilise the situation. In March 2025, he declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor, deputy governor and lawmakers, and appointing a sole administrator.

The emergency rule was lifted on September 17, 2025, after Tinubu said conditions had improved and stakeholders showed renewed willingness to govern peacefully. Despite intermittent truces, tensions have continued to resurface, with the latest impeachment threat underscoring the fragile political climate in the state.

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