The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has accused his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, of committing impeachable offences, citing the Supreme Court’s latest ruling on the political crisis in the state.
Addressing journalists on Friday, Wike referenced the Supreme Court’s judgment, which affirmed the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule. He asserted that Fubara’s actions, including the reported demolition of the Assembly complex, amounted to gross misconduct and an attempt to undermine the democratic process.
"The Supreme Court has spoken clearly. The Governor, out of fear of impeachment, decided to pull down the legislative arm of government. That is an impeachable offence," Wike declared.
Earlier today, a five-member panel of justices led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji ruled that the Rivers State House of Assembly, under Amaewhule’s leadership, remains the legally constituted legislative body. The court further restrained the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) from releasing budgetary allocations to Rivers State until a valid Appropriation Act is passed by the Assembly.
Justice Emmanuel Agim, who read the lead judgment, condemned Fubara’s actions, describing them as a deliberate attempt to dismantle the state government structure. The Supreme Court also mandated all members of the Assembly to resume their legislative duties without hindrance and imposed a fine of N5 million against Fubara and the Rivers State Government.
Wike, reacting to the judgment, maintained that the Governor had lost legitimacy and should be held accountable. "The law is clear—when a leader disregards democratic institutions, he has violated his oath of office. The Supreme Court has reaffirmed that governance must follow due process, and Rivers people must decide whether they want to be governed by impunity or by the rule of law," he said.
The political rift between Wike and Fubara has deepened in recent months, with both camps engaging in a fierce battle over control of the state’s political structure. Today’s Supreme Court ruling is expected to further escalate the crisis as calls for Fubara’s impeachment grow louder within political circles.
As of the time of this report, Governor Fubara has yet to officially respond to Wike’s latest remarks.
