In the latest escalation of Rivers State's prolonged political crisis, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has declared that Governor Siminalayi Fubara's survival amid an ongoing impeachment process will require divine intervention through "fasting and prayers." Fayose made these remarks during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today program on Friday, January 9, 2026, amid heightened tensions between Fubara and lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, initiated fresh impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, on Thursday, January 8, 2026. This marks the third such attempt since Fubara assumed office in 2023. The lawmakers, numbering 26 and widely regarded as aligned with Wike, accused the governor of gross misconduct, including reckless expenditure of public funds, unconstitutional misappropriation, hindering the assembly's duties, illegal appointments without legislative screening, seizure of lawmakers' salaries, and failure to implement financial autonomy for the legislature and judiciary. A key allegation centers on Fubara's purported authorization of withdrawals from the Consolidated Revenue Account in 2024 without a duly passed appropriation law, as well as his refusal to present the 2026 budget to the assembly.
The assembly has confirmed that the process remains "fully on course" in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), with notices of allegations already served on Fubara and Odu, who have seven days to respond.
Fayose, a vocal political figure and ally of Wike, faulted Fubara for what he described as constitutional lapses. He specifically criticized the governor for appointing cabinet members and spending state funds without the required approval and recourse to the State House of Assembly. "How can he be appointing people in his cabinet and spending money without constitutional backing and approval of the State Assembly?" Fayose asked rhetorically during the interview.
Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Fayose stated: "I’m not a prophet, but what is happening in Rivers now, it will take fasting and prayers to save Fubara; it takes the President intervening." He further remarked that "many prayers would be said to save Fubara" and that "so many fasts and prayers would be the only thing that would save Fubara in this one." Fayose also defended Wike's influence, noting the large crowds at his rallies and questioning efforts to "remove" him, saying, "People are talking about Wike; remove Wike. Can you remove who or what he is? Can’t you see people popping out during his rallies?"
Reflecting on the origins of the rift, Fayose revealed that he had personally warned Fubara against betraying Wike during the governor's inauguration ceremony. "During his inauguration, I told Wike that I wanted to tell Fubara one or two things against betraying him, but Wike said I shouldn’t worry, that Fubara will not do it," Fayose recounted. He added that he had cautioned Fubara directly: "I told Fubara not to fight that man that he will fight and not stop fighting." Fayose expressed surprise at the fallout, stating he "never knew this thing would ever happen" between the two.
The former Ekiti governor tied the crisis to broader themes of loyalty and gratitude in Nigerian politics. He asserted that President Bola Tinubu "hates ingratitude," suggesting that without divine grace, those aided by the president could abandon him. Fayose cited Wike's appointment as FCT Minister as a lifeline, implying that without it, Wike could have been "buried politically."
The current crisis stems from a long-standing power struggle between Fubara, who was Wike's preferred successor in the 2023 election, and his former mentor. Previous reconciliation efforts, including multiple interventions by President Tinubu, have yielded temporary truces. Notably, a state of emergency was declared in Rivers State in March 2025 amid earlier impeachment moves, leading to a six-month period under a sole administrator. A subsequent peace deal in June 2025 reportedly collapsed due to issues like defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and disagreements over budget presentations.
Stakeholders, including the Rivers State Elders and Leaders Forum and the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), have urged the assembly to suspend the proceedings, citing weak grounds and risks to stability. Some reports indicate President Tinubu has again summoned parties involved, potentially for meetings abroad, to avert further escalation. Meanwhile, Fubara's camp has faced challenges, including the assembly's refusal to receive the 2026 budget and ongoing court battles over legislative factions.
Fayose's comments have amplified discussions on loyalty, constitutional adherence, and the role of godfatherism in Nigerian politics. As the impeachment process continues, attention remains on whether presidential intervention or other factors will alter the trajectory in Rivers State, one of Nigeria's key oil-producing regions.
