The former governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose, has said that only fasting and prayers can rescue Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers state, from impeachment.
Fayose made the remark on Friday during an interview on Channels Television while reacting to the ongoing dispute between Fubara and the Rivers state house of assembly.
On Thursday, the assembly commenced impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, over allegations of “gross misconduct”.
Martins Amaewhule, speaker of the Rivers assembly, accused the governor and his deputy of posing a threat to democracy.
Amaewhule also criticised Fubara for allegedly failing to present the state budget in accordance with constitutional requirements.
Enemi George, chairman of the house committee on information, petitions and complaints, disclosed that notices of gross misconduct had been served on Fubara and Odu.
Speaking during the interview, Fayose advised Fubara to seek reconciliation with Nyesom Wike, former Rivers governor and current minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He faulted the governor for appointing commissioners and expending public funds without the approval of the state 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 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 from Fubara’s swearing-in ceremony, Fayose said he had cautioned Wike about the new governor.
“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 financial mismanagement.
However, the supreme court overturned the impeachment in 2014.
Later that year, Fayose contested and won the Ekiti governorship election, defeating incumbent Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He was inaugurated for a second term in October 2014 and served until 2018.