Impeachment: Fayose reveals what can save Fubara

Ayodele Fayose, former governor of Ekiti state, has said that only fasting and prayers can prevent the impeachment of Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers state.

Fayose made the remarks during a Channels Television interview on Friday while reacting to the ongoing political dispute between Governor Fubara and members of the Rivers state house of assembly.

The Rivers assembly on Thursday began impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, following allegations of “gross misconduct.”

Martins Amaewhule, speaker of the Rivers state house of assembly, accused both the governor and his deputy of posing a threat to democracy. He also criticised Fubara for allegedly failing to present the state budget in accordance with constitutional provisions.

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Enemi George, chairman of the house committee on information, petitions and complaints, said notices of gross misconduct had been forwarded to Fubara and Odu.

Speaking during the interview, Fayose advised the Rivers governor to reconcile with Nyesom Wike, former governor of the state and current minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He also faulted Fubara for appointing cabinet members and spending public funds without securing 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, and the president will help calm him down.”

Fayose said he never expected a political rift to occur 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,” he said.

Recalling events surrounding Fubara’s inauguration, Fayose said he was present during the swearing-in ceremony.

“I was sitting on the high table the day Governor Fubara was sworn in,” 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’.”

Fayose, who was first sworn in as Ekiti governor in 2003, was impeached in 2006 over allegations of mismanagement of state funds. However, the supreme court nullified the impeachment in 2014.

In June 2014, Fayose contested the Ekiti governorship election and defeated the incumbent governor, Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He was inaugurated for a second term in October 2014 and served until 2018.