Fubara’s Gamble: Can He Escape Impeachment Without Consulting Nigeria’s Power Brokers

Insiders from the Rivers State Government House claim that Fubara has deliberately avoided consultations, even with key figures backing him in his face-off with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

“There are times when even a neighboring governor calls him, but he refuses to answer. He also does not engage with the leadership of ethnic nationalities who stand firmly behind him in this battle,” a government source told Vanguard.

Despite being aware of an alleged powerful figure backing Wike’s actions behind the scenes, Fubara has refused to seek intervention from influential personalities such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, General Ibrahim Babangida, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, and the Sultan of Sokoto. Some political observers believe this strategy of isolation could weaken his position.

“Oga doesn’t want to consult anyone,” another source revealed, adding that even the late elder statesman, Edwin Clarke, who strongly defended Fubara, never received a visit from him.

Accusations of Political Isolation and Weak Strategy

Critics argue that Fubara has surrounded himself with political lightweights who lack the influence to challenge Wike’s dominance. Many of these individuals, who were previously aligned with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, had been forced out of Rivers State by Wike in 2023 but returned after Wike took on a ministerial role.

Despite being described as generous, Fubara is accused of failing to use financial incentives to consolidate his political base.

“Fubara is generous, but his generosity does not translate into political strategy. He has lost significant ground,” a source noted.

A member of the Rivers State Elders Council also criticized the governor for being “too tight-fisted,” stating, “Last Christmas, despite our support for him, we didn’t even get a grain of rice from this government.”

Peace Talks Rejected

According to Vanguard, a retired northern Army officer attempted to mediate in the crisis by sending emissaries, but Fubara declined, reportedly due to suspicions that the officer had vested interests in oil wells in Rivers State.