The immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has stated that no crisis will occur if the c, led by Martins Amaewhule, decides to impeach his successor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike, now serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), shared his views at a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.
Wike argued that there is nothing wrong with impeaching Fubara if the lawmakers believe he has committed impeachable offences, including allegedly withholding their salaries for months. He said, “If you have committed an offence that warrants impeachment, what’s wrong with that? Is it a criminal offence? It is provided for in the constitution. Am I a member of the Assembly?”
He further emphasised that if the Assembly deems the governor’s actions unconstitutional, they have the right to proceed with impeachment.
Responding to concerns that Fubara’s impeachment could lead to a breakdown of law and order, Wike dismissed the fears as baseless. “Rubbish! Nothing will happen,” he declared, rejecting claims that such an action would destabilise the state.
Wike also suggested that if the Amaewhule-led Assembly were not inclined to peace, it could have taken drastic steps, such as a six-month recess following the Supreme Court’s ruling. He also criticised a letter sent by Fubara to the Assembly, stating the governor could have handled the matter better.
On Friday, February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court delivered several key decisions related to the ongoing political situation in Rivers State. The Court prohibited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other agencies from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government until it complies with the Court’s directives regarding previous disobedience to court orders.
The Court also declared the local government election held in the state on October 5, 2024, as invalid. Following this, Governor Fubara announced his commitment to fully implementing the Court’s rulings, instructing the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to organise a fresh local government election.
The RSIEC has scheduled the new election for August 9, 2025. However, tensions have continued, with the Assembly issuing an arrest warrant for RSIEC Chief, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), after he failed to appear before them.
Meanwhile, the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, sent a letter on March 7, 2025, inviting the Assembly to a meeting on March 10, 2025, to discuss the re-presentation of the 2025 budget and potential peace talks. However, the Assembly responded by requesting that the governor formally channel his invitation through the proper channels.
