Former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said that there is nothing unusual about the Rivers State House of Assembly removing Governor Siminalayi Fubara from office.
Speaking at a media event in Abuja, Wike emphasized that impeachment is a legal process and not a criminal act. He explained that if Fubara had committed an offense that justified impeachment, the lawmakers had the constitutional authority to take action.
“If you have committed an offence to be impeached, what’s wrong? Is it a criminal offence? It’s provided in the constitution. Am I a member of the Assembly? If you have committed an infraction of the constitution and the Assembly deems it fit to say, you should be impeached,” Wike stated.
He dismissed concerns that the governor’s removal could lead to chaos, saying, “I have heard people say: ‘Oh, if they impeach him, there will be a breakdown of law and order’. Rubbish! Nothing will happen.”
Wike Urges Fubara to Present Budget
Wike advised Fubara to present the state budget and submit the list of commissioners, emphasizing that peace is achievable only when due processes are followed. He criticized Fubara’s approach to governance, especially concerning the crisis in the state House of Assembly.
“What is peace? What is more important than letting the right thing be done? When the right thing is done, there will be peace. But if the right thing is not done, how can you talk about peace? Go present the budget; go submit the list of the commissioners,” he said.
Wike also accused Fubara of being responsible for the destruction of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, forcing lawmakers to meet in their private homes.
“He (Fubara) brought the Assembly complex down. Assembly now sits in their residences. If you are coming, they have children; they have to prepare themselves. You cannot just go and then open the gate saying, ‘I’m coming to present the budget.’ Nonsense, rubbish, who is doing that? Playing to the gallery,” Wike stated.
Wike Opposes Upcoming Local Government Elections
Wike dismissed plans to hold local government elections in Rivers State on August 27, 2025, claiming the process will fail. He criticized Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.), the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), accusing him of lacking integrity.
Wike alleged that Enebeli avoided answering a summons from the State Assembly by rushing to court. He likened the situation to an official from a federal institution, like the National Assembly, choosing legal action over appearing before lawmakers.
He accused Enebeli of being more interested in personal benefits than conducting a fair election and questioned his understanding of legal rulings related to the matter. Although Wike admitted appointing Enebeli in the past, he expressed regret over the situation and firmly stated that the planned local government election would not hold.
Wike Reaffirms Loyalty to PDP
Wike also dismissed rumors that he plans to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), affirming his commitment to the party despite political tensions.
“I don’t run away from a fight. I will not leave the PDP,” Wike declared.
