Former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that impeaching Governor Siminalayi Fubara would not constitute a criminal offense if Fubara is found guilty of wrongdoing.
“Politics is not a game. If he has done something deserving of impeachment, then let him be impeached. It’s not a criminal offense,” Wike remarked during a live media interview on Wednesday, March 12.
Wike also criticized the current state of the Rivers State House of Assembly, expressing disbelief that only three lawmakers—presumably loyal to Fubara—are making legislative decisions.
“I can’t believe that in this country, we’ve reached a point where Nigerians are debating whether three members of the House can sit and make laws, and then take the matter to the Supreme Court. Is this how we should be working?” he questioned.
The political turmoil in Rivers State intensified following a Supreme Court ruling in favor of 27 pro-Wike lawmakers, which also nullified the local government elections held in the state in October 2024.
Wike commended those who opposed what he termed “illegality” and stressed that elected officials should not be treated as subordinates.
“Speakers and Assembly members are not our children; they were elected. They are not your boys or girls. You sit with them and engage with them as equals. I traveled with my Speakers and built relationships. It’s not a master-servant dynamic,” he explained.
Reflecting on an incident involving elder statesman Ferdinand Alabararba, who supported the emergence of an Ijaw governor, Wike expressed dismay over how Alabararba was later disrespected.
“This elder statesman was almost in tears. Later, this young man insulted him, and now he can’t go back to him for help. These are the people who should be mediating family and political matters. Forget about me,” Wike added.
