Ayodele Fayose, former governor of Ekiti State, says only fasting and prayers can save Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers State, from the political crisis threatening his administration.
Fayose spoke on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme while reacting to the escalating confrontation between Fubara and the Rivers State House Of Assembly.
The Rivers assembly on Thursday initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara and Ngozi Odu, his deputy, over allegations of “gross misconduct”.
Martins Amaewhule, speaker of the State House Of Assembly, accused the governor and his deputy of actions capable of undermining democracy in the state.
Amaewhule also faulted Fubara for allegedly refusing to present the state budget in line with constitutional provisions.
Enemi George, chairman of the house committee on information, petitions and complaints, said the notices of gross misconduct had been forwarded to Fubara and Odu, adding that lawmakers were awaiting their responses.
During the interview, Fayose urged the Rivers governor to seek reconciliation with Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).
Fayose criticised Fubara for allegedly appointing cabinet members and spending public funds without the approval of the State House Of Assembly.
“I’m not a prophet, so many prayers would be said to save Fubara; so many fasts and prayers would be the only thing that would save Fubara in this one,” Fayose said.
“My prayer is that God will enter his mind; the president will help calm him down, to remind the danger; one will be in his house before he realises the danger.”
The former governor said he never anticipated a political fallout between Fubara and Wike.
“Let me quickly say this: I never knew this thing would ever happen between Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike,” Fayose said.
Fayose recalled that he had warned Fubara against betraying his political benefactor during the governor’s swearing-in ceremony.
“I was sitting on the high table the day Governor Fubara was sworn in, and we were on the high table in Rivers,” he said.
“And I told Wike that I want to say one or two things to Fubara not to betray you.
“He said, ‘I should not say it; he cannot do it’.
“In my own usual way of telling people the truth, I came out and said, ‘My brother, lock all the windows, don’t listen to people; these Wike are people that brought you, remain with them, don’t look for Wike’s trouble.’”