Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has weighed in on the political crisis in Rivers State, saying Governor Siminalayi Fubara may only escape impeachment through spiritual intervention and presidential involvement.
Fayose made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television on Friday, January 9, while reacting to the impeachment process initiated by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly against Fubara. The lawmakers are reportedly aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Speaking on the rift between Wike and Fubara, Fayose criticised the Rivers governor’s actions, alleging that he made cabinet appointments and spent public funds without due approval from the state assembly.
“I’m not a prophet, but what is happening in Rivers now, it will take fasting and prayers to save Fubara; it takes the President intervening.
How can he be appointing people in his cabinet and spending money without constitutional backing and approval of the State Assembly?
People are talking about Wike; remove Wike. Can you remove who or what he is? Can’t you see people popping out during his rallies?” Fayose asked.
The former governor revealed that he had earlier cautioned Fubara against falling out with Wike, even before the crisis began.
“During his inauguration, I told Wike that I wanted to tell Fubara one or two things against betraying him, but Wike said I shouldn’t worry, that Fubara will not do it, I told Fubara not to fight that man that he will fight and not stop fighting,” he said.
Fayose further noted that President Bola Tinubu does not tolerate ingratitude, stressing that loyalty to political benefactors is critical. He added that without presidential intervention in the past, Wike might have faded from national relevance.
According to him, Tinubu’s decision to appoint Wike as FCT Minister played a major role in sustaining the former Rivers governor’s political influence.
