Feyi Ogunbiyi
Former Rivers State Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has downplayed fears of instability should the Rivers State House of Assembly move to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara, insisting that “nothing will happen” if such action is taken.
Wike, speaking at a media parley in Abuja on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, said Fubara had allegedly committed impeachable offences, including withholding lawmakers’ salaries for months.
He maintained that impeachment is a constitutional process and should not be seen as an anomaly.
“If you have committed an offence to be impeached, what’s wrong? Is it a criminal offence? It’s provided in the constitution. Am I a member of the Assembly?” Wike queried.
The former governor dismissed concerns that Fubara’s impeachment could trigger unrest, describing such speculations as baseless.
“I have heard people say: ‘Oh, if they impeach him, there will be a breakdown of law and order.’ Rubbish! Nothing will happen,” he declared.
Wike’s remarks come barely two weeks after the Supreme Court, in a ruling delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, dismissed Fubara’s cross-appeal challenging the validity of the Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.
The apex court ordered Amaewhule to immediately resume legislative duties with other elected lawmakers.
The ruling also placed a financial blockade on the Rivers State Government, barring the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other financial agencies from releasing funds to the state until its House of Assembly is properly constituted in line with constitutional provisions.
Additionally, the court declared the local government elections held in the state in October 2024 invalid, further complicating the political crisis rocking the oil-rich state.
Wike also took a swipe at Fubara over his response to the legislative crisis, describing the governor’s letter to the Assembly as weak and poorly handled.
He argued that the lawmakers could have opted for a six-month recess after the Supreme Court judgment but instead showed restraint.
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