Prosper Okoye
Senior figures from Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, have visited the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt.
The visit, described by officials as a courtesy call, took place late on Sunday against the backdrop of rising political tension in the state, following moves by the Rivers State House of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Videos circulating on social media show the senior federal and state officials arriving at the Government House, where they were received by Governor Fubara.
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Other prominent APC figures were also present, although no official statement was issued after the meeting.
The timing of the visit has attracted attention, as Rivers State remains embroiled in a prolonged political crisis linked to a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The Presidency has not commented on the visit. However, political analysts say the presence of top federal officials during an ongoing impeachment process highlights the national political stakes surrounding developments in Rivers State.
Rivers, one of Nigeria’s most economically important oil-producing states, has experienced months of legislative standoffs, court disputes and factional divisions within the state assembly.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara has spoken publicly about the crisis for the first time since the impeachment process was initiated. Speaking on Sunday, he urged residents to remain calm and appealed for peace.
The governor made the remarks during an inter-denominational church service in Port Harcourt held to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day. He said his earlier silence had been deliberate, explaining that he preferred not to engage in political exchanges.
“I don’t shout or complain because I know what I have is supreme — God,” he told worshippers.
Governor Fubara also suggested that misunderstandings had shaped public reactions to the situation, adding that peace would return to the state. He expressed confidence that the political crisis would be resolved.
The impeachment process began earlier this month when a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly formally accused Governor Fubara and his deputy of gross misconduct, citing alleged violations of constitutional and budgetary procedures, as well as claims of interference with the legislature’s functions.
The lawmakers say their actions are in line with constitutional provisions, while the governor’s supporters have described the move as politically motivated. The allegations have deepened divisions within the assembly and intensified an already protracted power struggle in the state.
