Fayose Warns: Rivers Crisis Beyond Politics as Impeachment Threat Closes In on Fubara
The Rivers State impeachment crisis has taken an unusual spiritual dimension following comments by former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose on the escalating battle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his political benefactor turned rival, Nyesom Wike. In a blunt and dramatic intervention, Fayose declared that only fasting and prayer could save Governor Fubara from imminent removal, insisting that the political odds are heavily stacked against him. The outspoken former governor made the remarks during a widely shared interview on January 8, 2026, arguing that conventional legal and political strategies may no longer be sufficient to halt the impeachment process.
Fayose’s warning came in the wake of a fresh notice of gross misconduct served on the governor by the Rivers State House of Assembly, which is largely aligned with Wike. Drawing from his own experience of surviving multiple impeachment plots while in office, Fayose described the situation as a classic fallout between a godfather and his political protégé. According to him, the power dynamics in Rivers State are so deeply rooted that Governor Fubara is now operating within a hostile structure where loyalty has collapsed and political negotiations have lost their effectiveness.
He stressed that the governor’s current position is especially dangerous because the lawmakers possess the constitutional authority to act, regardless of public sympathy. Fayose argued that while Governor Fubara may enjoy popular support, the real leverage lies with the legislature, which he said is fully prepared to exercise its powers. In his view, divine intervention remains the only option capable of reversing what appears to be an overwhelming political tide.
At the center of the crisis are allegations of unauthorized spending and the governor’s failure to present the 2026 budget before the recognized assembly. While supporters of the administration insist the impeachment move is a calculated attempt to reclaim political control of the state, the Assembly maintains that its actions are guided strictly by constitutional provisions. Fayose noted that once impeachment proceedings reach this stage, emotions and alliances often matter more than technical defenses.
Beyond the spiritual advice, Fayose called for restraint in the interest of regional stability. He warned that prolonged instability in Rivers State could spill over into the wider Niger Delta, with serious implications for national revenue given the state’s strategic role in Nigeria’s oil sector. As the constitutional deadline for Governor Fubara to respond to the allegations approaches, tension continues to mount. Whether the crisis is resolved through political negotiation, judicial intervention, or spiritual appeal, Fayose believes the struggle has entered its most critical and dangerous phase, with far reaching consequences for Rivers State and beyond.