Speculation over a fresh intervention by Bola Tinubu in the Rivers State political crisis intensified on Friday after 26 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly announced they would commence impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy.
Amid rising political tensions, sources close to the Presidency told Punch that the President was considering stepping in again and had reportedly invited the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Governor Fubara to a meeting to address the worsening crisis.
Fueling the speculation, Wike departed the Port Harcourt International Airport for Abuja on Sunday evening, effectively dispelling rumours that he was travelling to Dubai for a private meeting with the President.
The minister arrived at the airport at about 4:30 pm and was ushered into the VIP lounge, accompanied by friends and loyalists, before boarding his flight to Abuja.
Efforts to confirm whether Wike was scheduled to meet the President were unsuccessful; calls to his media aide, Lere Olayinka, were not returned as of the time of filing this report.
However, a source close to the minister said Wike’s trip was part of his routine official duties, noting that the President is currently out of the country.
“He returned to Abuja today. He has to receive the President when he arrives, as usual,” the source said.
“Whether there will be a meeting, and specifically one on Rivers State, I cannot confirm at this time.
“Outside his official duties and meetings with the President as minister, I am not aware of any other meeting,” the source added.