Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, has dismissed concerns of potential unrest should Governor Siminalayi Fubara be impeached by the state House of Assembly.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Wike stressed that impeachment is a constitutional process meant to address any impeachable offenses committed by a sitting governor.
“If you have committed an offense to be impeached, what’s wrong? Is it a criminal offense? It’s provided in the constitution,” Wike stated.
He further criticized claims that such an impeachment would result in a breakdown of law and order, saying, “I have heard people say: ‘Oh, if they impeach him, there will be a breakdown of law and order.’ Rubbish! Nothing will happen.”
The political landscape in Rivers State has remained tense following a Supreme Court ruling on February 28, 2025. The court dismissed Governor Fubara’s appeal challenging the legality of the House of Assembly under Speaker Martins Amaewhule.
The judgment ordered Amaewhule and other elected members to resume legislative duties while restricting federal financial institutions from releasing funds to the state government until the orders were fully implemented.
In reaction to the court’s verdict, Governor Fubara pledged to comply with the judgment. He directed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to conduct new local government elections, now scheduled for August 9, 2025.
However, the situation escalated when the Assembly issued an arrest warrant against RSIEC Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), over his failure to honor an invitation by the lawmakers.
Attempts to restore harmony between the executive and legislative arms have hit obstacles. A letter from Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, dated March 7, 2025, proposed a meeting to address the 2025 budget and discuss peace initiatives.
However, the Assembly insisted that the governor should communicate through appropriate channels.
Wike also took aim at Governor Fubara’s handling of the situation, criticizing his approach as lacking the necessary tact. He suggested that if the lawmakers were uninterested in resolving the matter, they could have taken a prolonged recess after the Supreme Court decision.
