Fubara’s Impeachment: Wike Maintains Silence as Stakeholders Pressure Lawmakers to Halt Move

Political tension in Rivers State has taken another dramatic turn as calls for the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara gain traction — and former Governor Nyesom Wike remains conspicuously silent.

Civil society organisations, prominent community leaders, and political stakeholders have begun applying pressure on members of the State House of Assembly to reconsider any impeachment action, arguing that doing so could further destabilise the political landscape in the oil-rich state.

What’s Happening in Rivers Politics?

Reports from Port Harcourt and political corridors indicate that some lawmakers are advancing a move to impeach Governor Fubara — a development that has reignited the long-running political tussle that has defined Rivers State’s governance dynamics since the last election cycle.

This push comes amid disagreements within political factions, questions about governance direction, and deep questions about party unity. The ambition to remove the governor, if successful, could reshape political leadership at a critical moment as national political currents intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike’s Silence Speaks Volumes

Former Governor Nyesom Wike — a major power broker in Rivers State and a leading figure within the PDP — has reportedly not publicly addressed the impeachment talk. His silence has raised eyebrows among political watchers and local stakeholders.

Some analysts suggest Wike’s reticence may be strategic — preserving influence without taking an overt public stance — while others believe he may be waiting for political winds to shift before making a formal comment.

Whatever his reasons, Wike’s absence from the public conversation has only fuelled speculation about the direction of elite allegiances within the state.

Stakeholders Urge Caution

Against this backdrop, a wave of public stakeholders has called for calm and restraint. Community leaders, youth groups, and civil society coalitions have urged lawmakers to halt impeachment discussions, arguing that:

The move could deepen political fault lines

Rivers needs stability, not more political conflict

Governance should focus on improving lives, not intra-party battles

One civil society leader noted that “political battles must not overshadow essential governance needs like security, development, and economic renewal.”

This sentiment echoes wider concerns that partisan infighting threatens service delivery and everyday stability for residents who are more concerned about jobs, infrastructure, and peace than political squabbles.

Why This Matters Beyond Rivers State

What unfolds in Rivers is more than a local political drama — it reflects broader trends in Nigerian politics:

Factional divides within major parties

The role of political “godfathers” or power brokers

Lawmakers’ responsiveness to stakeholders versus partisan agendas

How internal disputes can shape public confidence in governance

Political observers say that if Rivers’ political class allows internal strife to overwhelm governance priorities, it could set worrying precedents for internal democracy and political accountability — especially in states critical to national politics.

What Comes Next?

As impeachment rumblings continue, all eyes are on the State House of Assembly, where lawmakers will decide whether to pursue or shelve the move. Their decision will likely take into account:

Citizens’ views and stakeholder pressures

Party interests and legislative cohesion

Broader implications for the party’s image ahead of 2027

For now, the rivers of political discourse remain turbulent — but the course of action lawmakers take will have ramifications that reach well beyond Port Harcourt.

Conclusion

While calls for Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s impeachment gain headwinds, the silence of influential figures like Nyesom Wike — paired with intense stakeholder pressure — underscores the complex interplay of power, loyalty, and public interest in Rivers State politics.

Whether this chapter ends in impeachment, political compromise, or renewed unity, one thing remains clear: the people of Rivers want stability, not perpetual conflict.