By Sarah NEGEDU
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said it’s not a criminal offence to impeach River State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, if found to have contravened the rule of law.
Speaking during a media chat on Wednesday, the minister stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law and strict adherence to due process and justice.
Recall that the Supreme Court had on 28th February, 2025, nullified the 21, November 2024, judgment of the Court of Appeal which upheld the local government elections.
The judgment also upheld the legitimacy of the 27-member Martin Amaewhule-led State Assembly in Rivers State.
However, Nyesom Wike on Wednesday maintained that, “Politics is not play. If he has done something to be impeached, let them impeach him. It’s not a criminal offence,”
Wike, who also expressed disbelief that a small number of lawmakers could enact legislation and expect it to be upheld said, “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?”
The former governor praised those who challenged illegality and emphasised 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 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 explained.
Wike also criticized Governor, Fubara, over his recent letter to the state house of assembly seeking a meeting with lawmakers regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling on the state’s political landscape.
Wike insisted that instead of drafting a public letter, Fubara should have directly contacted Speaker Amaewhule and his team to facilitate a meeting, maintaining that the lawmakers are independent and should be treated with respect.
“You have had a frosty relationship with a branch of government. If you are a good politician, would you write a letter? Is it by sending a letter signed by the SSG? What an insult! This isn’t how it should be done,” Wike said.
He accused the governor of playing to the gallery rather than addressing issues sincerely.
When asked about restoring peace in the state, Wike maintained that genuine peace could only be achieved if the right actions were taken.
“What is more important than ensuring the right things are done? When justice is served, peace follows. But if the right thing isn’t addressed, how can we talk about peace? Go present the budget; submit the list of commissioners.”
