Former Rivers State governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that his estranged successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, should be impeached if found culpable of any wrongdoing.
Wike made the assertion during a media live chat on Wednesday, emphasizing that impeachment is a legitimate political process and not a criminal offense.
“Politics is not play. If he has done something to be impeached, let them impeach him. It’s not a criminal offence,” Wike declared.
The FCT Minister also criticized the legislative activities of lawmakers loyal to Fubara, indirectly referring to them as “three lawmakers.” He expressed disbelief that a minority faction of the House of Assembly could claim to make laws, questioning the legitimacy of their legislative actions.
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“I cannot believe that in this country, we are now at the point where Nigerians are talking about where three members of the House will sit and make a law, and they are talking about going to the Supreme Court. Do we need to go to work?” he asked rhetorically.
The political crisis in Rivers State has deepened following a Supreme Court ruling that recognized 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike and nullified the local government elections conducted in the state in October 2024. The ruling has further widened the rift between the two political camps.
Wike commended those who have taken legal action to challenge alleged illegalities in the state’s governance. He stressed the importance of mutual respect between elected officials, emphasizing that lawmakers are not subordinates to governors.
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“Speakers and Assembly members are not our children; they were elected; they are not your boys or your girls. You sit with them and play with them. I travelled with my Speakers, and I created relationships. It’s not a master-servant thing,” he added.
The former governor also recounted an incident involving an elder statesman, Ferdinand Alabararba, who had supported the emergence of an Ijaw governor but was later disrespected by the very person he backed.
“This elder statesman cried; he almost cried. This boy later insulted this elder statesman; now he can’t go back to him for help. Ordinarily, these are the people who will call the family people. Forget about me,” Wike stated..