A looming impeachment move against Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has ignited intense political debate, with media personality Rufai Oseni describing the situation as a potential indictment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ability to protect governors aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a strongly worded commentary, Oseni argued that if the impeachment process succeeds, it would effectively nullify claims that the recently declared state of emergency in Rivers State was meant to safeguard Governor Fubara or restore political stability.
“Despite the state of emergency, there is no peace, no settlement, and impeachment is still moving forward,” Oseni said. “President Tinubu’s intervention did not save Fubara.”
According to Oseni, the ongoing crisis suggests that former Rivers State governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is gaining the upper hand in the protracted political battle.
“One thing is certain for now: Wike is leading in this fight,” he stated, rating Wike ahead of President Tinubu in political maneuvering over the Rivers crisis.
Oseni raised several unanswered questions surrounding the unfolding drama, including whether President Tinubu will ultimately side with Fubara, whether the state’s Chief Judge will allow the impeachment process to proceed, and whether existing court orders restraining the lawmakers will be upheld.
He further warned that the situation sends a troubling signal to governors considering defection to the APC, suggesting that party alignment may no longer guarantee political protection or automatic re-election tickets.
“This has shown that governors decamping to APC may not be protected,” Oseni said. “Those who see the APC as a comfort zone may be delusional.”
Oseni concluded that only decisive action by the APC and President Tinubu to halt the impeachment process would disprove his position, stressing that the impeachment notice—allegedly driven by lawmakers loyal to a serving minister in the president’s cabinet—already reflects a major political setback for the presidency.
“If they call President Tinubu the master strategist,” Oseni added, “then Wike is currently outplaying the master strategist—for now. Time will tell if Jagaban will strike back.”
