Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has concluded his local government tours amid fresh allegations from the state House of Assembly that the visits were a calculated move to obstruct ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike, who completed visits to all 23 LGAs, said the tours were part of efforts to inspect projects and engage with grassroots leaders. However, the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly claims the timing was meant to stir political sentiment and frustrate legislative action.
A statement from the Assembly alleged that Wike’s actions were “a veiled attempt to mobilize opposition to the constitutionally-backed process” to remove Fubara from office. The lawmakers insist that the impeachment proceedings stem from “gross misconduct and disregard for due process,” not political witch-hunting.
Wike has not directly addressed the impeachment controversy, but during the final leg of his tour, he called for unity and warned against destabilizing the state. He urged leaders to focus on development rather than political battles.
Meanwhile, the state’s political climate remains tense, with protests erupting in some LGAs in support of Fubara. Civil society groups have also weighed in, calling for restraint and respect for democratic institutions.
The ongoing power tussle between Wike, a former governor and current FCT minister, and Fubara, his estranged political ally, has raised fears of a deeper crisis in the oil-rich state. National leaders have yet to intervene directly, but political watchers expect Abuja may soon step in to prevent escalation.
