Fubara’s Last Stand: How He Might Dodge Impeachment In Rivers Crisis

Former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, once made a historic statement that has since become a cornerstone in the nation’s political discourse: “My political ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This remark underscored his stance that no political aspiration should come at the cost of violence or human lives.

During the height of the Boko Haram insurgency, Jonathan also declared that he had not even exercised one-tenth of his presidential powers. This statement raised questions about his leadership approach, with critics wondering why he sought power if he was unwilling to fully wield it. Ultimately, Jonathan, an Ijaw man from the Niger Delta, was voted out of office.

In Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has similarly refrained from exerting the full extent of his constitutional powers. His passive approach has been perceived as a weakness, leading to the escalation of the ongoing political crisis in the state.

Before his passing, former Petroleum Minister, Professor Tam David-West, once described Jonathan as “the weakest President” Nigeria had ever produced. Today, many in Rivers State feel that their government is following a similar path—prioritizing peace but at the cost of political strength. However, this so-called peace appears fragile and uncertain.

A Failure to Act Decisively

Political analysts argue that since the crisis in Rivers erupted on October 29, 2023, with threats of impeachment, Governor Fubara has failed to take decisive action to end the conflict. While he remains hopeful for a political resolution, his opponents have continued to strategize against him, making gains—particularly following the recent 5-0 Supreme Court ruling that dealt a blow to his position.

Lack of Consultation

Insiders within the government reveal that Fubara prefers to handle matters alone, without seeking advice or assistance. A source within the state’s political circle disclosed that the governor does not engage with key figures who have put their political reputations on the line to support him.

“Even a governor from a neighboring state calls him, yet he refuses to answer. He does not engage with ethnic leaders who are standing firmly behind him in this battle,” the source revealed.

Governor Fubara is well aware that a powerful force is backing Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in the ongoing political turmoil. He also understands that direct engagement with this shadowy figure would be futile. However, many believe he should be consulting influential figures such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, General Ibrahim Babangida, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, and the Sultan of Sokoto.