The political landscape in Rivers State has been shaken following allegations by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of the state, who claims that his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has committed an impeachable offense.
Wike’s statement comes in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling that nullified recent local government elections in the state and reaffirmed the authority of the 27-member House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
At the heart of the dispute is Governor Fubara’s recognition of a faction within the Rivers State Assembly consisting of only three lawmakers.
“What’s important is: can three people make law for a state?” Wike said.
The governor has backed this group as the legitimate legislative body, effectively sidelining the majority bloc under Amaewhule.
Critics argue that a three-member assembly lacks the constitutional mandate to function as a legitimate lawmaking body, further intensifying the political standoff in the state.
“There’s nothing like the Amaehule faction. Well the court said that the budget should be presented to the reconstituted State Assembly, which is the authentic State Assembly.”
Reacting to the Supreme Court’s decision, Wike strongly criticized Fubara’s actions, questioning the validity of a legislative body composed of only three members.
“It’s unheard of where someone will say that three people will constitute an Assembly to make law for the entire state. It has nothing to do with an individual, whether you like this person’s face or not,” he stated.
The minister stressed the importance of a properly constituted legislature, emphasizing that democracy cannot function without a legally recognized lawmaking body.
The ruling by the Supreme Court not only voided the local government elections but also reinforced the authority of the 27-member House of Assembly under Amaewhule’s leadership.
Legal analysts have interpreted the decision as a reaffirmation of the rule of law and a clear directive that constitutional procedures must be followed in legislative matters.
Wike further underscored the implications of the ruling, stating, “The Supreme Court has made it clear that we can’t have a democracy without the legislature.”
He questioned Governor Fubara’s endorsement of the three-member assembly, arguing that such a move undermines the democratic process and institutional integrity.
