Policy Strategist and Group CEO of Global Investment & Trade Company, Baba Yusuf, has described the renewed impeachment moves against Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as a calculated political power struggle driven by entrenched interests rather than governance concerns.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Friday, Yusuf said the crisis in Rivers State reflects a “zero-sum game” between rival political camps, warning that the prolonged conflict has stalled governance and undermined democratic stability in the state.
“In my view, it is a zero-sum game being played by political agglomerations in Rivers, particularly Minister Nyesom Wike’s camp and Governor Fubara’s camp,” Yusuf said.
“This impeachment proceeding is a calculated attempt to oust Governor Fubara. That is what it is.”
Yusuf argued that impeachment processes in Nigeria are often deployed as weapons in elite political disputes, especially when relationships between political godfathers and their protégés break down.
“If everything is topsy-turvy between the political godfather and his godson, you begin to hear impeachment proceedings,” he said.
“It is a sad reality of our polity.”
According to him, the three-year-long political feud has deprived Rivers State residents of effective governance.
“For over three years, this fight has refused to allow Governor Fubara to execute his mandate,” Yusuf stated.
“I hope this matter will be ended so that the people of Rivers State, and by extension Nigerians, can enjoy good governance.”
Yusuf warned that former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, risks political isolation if the confrontation continues unchecked.
“Wike is overplaying his hand,” he said.
“You can’t fight everybody at the same time and expect to win all the time. The days ahead will be very interesting if he does not change his game.”
Revisiting the impeachment threat later in the programme, Yusuf said the political dynamics had shifted significantly, particularly with the approaching 2027 general elections and the realignment of power within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The daggers are drawn. There is no going back,” he said.
“But the dynamics have changed. I do not expect President Bola Tinubu to sit on his hands and allow this toxic politics, which almost finished the PDP, to permeate the APC.”
He noted that key APC leaders at the national level had already taken positions on the Rivers crisis, suggesting that Wike’s influence may be waning.
“The national chairman and national secretary of the APC have taken positions,” Yusuf said.
“Wike has called their bluff, but the reality is that Rivers is no longer as critical to APC calculations as it was in 2023.”
Yusuf insisted that Governor Fubara currently holds a stronger political footing, arguing that it would be counterproductive for the ruling party to remove one of its own governors.
“I don’t see APC allowing an APC-controlled House of Assembly to oust a brand new governor in their camp,” he said.
“Fubara is in a better position, I can guarantee you.”
In his concluding remarks, Yusuf urged President Tinubu to take decisive action in the interest of Rivers State residents and national political stability.
“The next steps of the President will show whether he truly loves the people of Rivers State,” he said.
“This state has been in crisis from the beginning of this administration. It is time for the people to enjoy the remainder of this tenure with some form of good governance.”
“For his own sake and for the sake of Nigeria, the President needs to seize the moment and take a clear decision,” Yusuf added.
Boluwatife Enome
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