Impeachment looms as Fayose says Fubara ignored Abuja peace deal

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has weighed in on the political crisis in Rivers State, saying only fasting and prayers can save Governor Siminalayi Fubara from the mounting threats to his administration.

Fayose urged the Rivers governor to reconcile with his estranged political benefactor and predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, warning that the situation could spiral further if left unresolved.

He said the crisis surrounding Fubara’s leadership would require intense spiritual intervention, stressing that prayers and fasting remained the only viable option for the governor at this stage.

The Rivers State House of Assembly and the governor have been locked in a prolonged standoff over his failure to present the 2026 budget, with lawmakers accusing him of spending public funds without legislative approval.

The Assembly has since initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara. Most of the lawmakers are believed to be loyal to Wike, who is reportedly opposed to the governor’s re-election bid.

Wike has accused Fubara of violating the peace agreement they both signed before President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule in the state, a move that allowed the governor to return to office.

Fayose blamed Fubara for the crisis, insisting that the governor failed to honour the agreements reached in Abuja and underestimated the political consequences of his actions.

Recalling events surrounding Fubara’s inauguration in 2023, Fayose said Wike never anticipated a fallout, adding that he personally cautioned the governor against betraying the political structure that brought him to power.

He expressed hope that President Tinubu would intervene to calm the situation and impress upon the governor the gravity of the unfolding crisis, warning that political danger often becomes apparent only when it is already too late.