Fubara returns to Nigeria, attends Church service amid fresh impeachment threat

By Johnson Arua

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Sunday made his first public appearance since returning to the country from an overseas trip reportedly linked to high-level consultations with President Bola Tinubu, as renewed impeachment moves against him gather momentum.

The governor attended a special church service at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt, held to commemorate the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

He was accompanied by his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, as well as other senior government officials.

Fubara’s appearance came barely days after the Rivers State House of Assembly, on Thursday, initiated fresh impeachment proceedings against him.

The latest move marks the third impeachment attempt against the governor in less than three years, further escalating political tensions in the state.

Although the state government has not officially disclosed details of the governor’s foreign trip, sources said Fubara travelled aboard a private jet and was expected to meet President Tinubu in France, as the impeachment crisis intensified.

The renewed political showdown is widely viewed as an extension of the lingering power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Fubara, once seen as Wike’s political protégé, has since parted ways with him, sparking a fierce contest for control of Rivers State.

Lawmakers believed to be loyal to Wike have accused the governor of gross misconduct, allegations to which the state government is yet to issue a formal response.

Previous impeachment efforts were stalled through court rulings and political interventions, but the latest action has reignited fears of governance disruption in the oil-rich state.

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day service was held in honour of Nigerian servicemen and women who lost their lives defending the nation’s unity and sovereignty, with prayers also offered for personnel currently serving.

Despite maintaining silence on both the impeachment allegations and reports of his meeting with President Tinubu, Fubara’s return and public appearance alongside key officials highlight the high political stakes as the confrontation with the state assembly and his former ally deepens.