A political affairs analyst, Ibrahim Modibo, has described the renewed impeachment moves against Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as a dangerous power struggle driven by political overreach rather than genuine governance concerns.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Friday, Modibo warned that the crisis unfolding in Rivers State poses a serious threat to democratic stability, not just in the state but across Nigeria.
“The trajectory of the problems confronting Rivers State has to do with conflict of power, conflict of power between two individuals,” he said.
Quoting a historical reference, he added, “As Napoleon the Great once said, the worst of us suffer not because of the violence of bad people, but because of the silence of good people.”
Naijaonpoint reports that Modibo pointed to the political influence of the former Rivers State governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, arguing that the impeachment attempts could not be separated from his role in the state’s politics.
He said, “If you see a bird dancing on the road, somebody is beating the drum somewhere in the bush.
“For the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to behave the way they are behaving, there must be a trigger, and all historical perspectives suggest that trigger is coming from one man.”
He questioned the rationale behind repeated attempts to remove Governor Fubara from office.
Modibo asked, “What exactly has Governor Fubara done to deserve these impeachment attempts?
“Why not allow this man to walk? Why not allow him to deliver democracy to the people of Rivers State?”
‘Godfatherism Should Have Limits’
The analyst criticised what he described as excessive political dominance, warning that no political godfather should exercise overwhelming control over an elected governor.
He said, “There is no need for compulsion or for him to have an overbearing influence on the governor.
“Agreed, he is a godfather, so what? Was he not also brought up by someone else? Was he trampled upon when he rose through the system? No.”
Modibo expressed confidence that Governor Fubara could survive the impeachment pressure, but only if the national party structures act decisively.
He said, “Fubara can survive this.
“With the support of the national secretariat and APC governors, they can form a formidable team to withstand this pressure. Otherwise, we are headed for a very dangerous democratic journey.”
He dismissed the allegations raised by the House of Assembly as weak and politically motivated.
He said, “Most of the allegations are frivolous. Frankly, they look comical.
“When I read them, I laughed. They are pedestrian and personal, driven by private pockets, not public interest.”
The analyst also defended the governor’s performance in office, citing achievements he said were being ignored amid the political tension.
Modibo said, “Based on my research and findings, Governor Fubara has done a lot.
“There are reports of over 100,000 housing units for the poor, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, and even 13th-month payments to workers. I am not from Rivers State. I have never met him, but facts are facts.”
Tinubu Faces A Defining Moment
Turning to the role of President Bola Tinubu, Modibo said the situation presents a defining test of leadership.
He said, “For President Tinubu, it is between the devil and the deep blue sea.
“He must pick a position and nip this crisis in the bud.”
He warned that abandoning Fubara would have wider political consequences.
He further stated, “If the President abandons Fubara, all governors who crossed over will know they are not safe.
“This is bigger than Rivers State.”
Modibo cautioned that unchecked political influence could pose risks even to the presidency.
He warned, “If Tinubu fails to call Wike to order, even the President is not safe.
“When Wike is angry, he is like a bulldog. He demolishes everything in his path.”
He accused Wike of contributing to the collapse of the Peoples Democratic Party and warned against similar outcomes within the APC.
He said, “Look at what happened to the PDP. It is no longer what it used to be.
“A structure is meant to build, not destroy. What he calls a structure is a structure of trouble.”
Modibo warned that removing a sitting governor through political coercion would have grave implications for Nigeria’s democracy.
He said, “If a sitting governor is removed through impunity, it is a very sad day for democracy.
“It creates local emperors and makes democracy unsafe.”