“Let Them Impeach Him” – Wike Reacts to Supreme Court Ruling Against Fubara

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reacted to the recent Supreme Court ruling and ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, asserting that Governor Siminalayi Fubara should be impeached if he has committed any impeachable offence. Speaking during a live media chat on Wednesday, Wike expressed dismay over the situation, reiterating the importance of upholding the rule of law and criticising key figures in Fubara’s camp.

Wike dismissed the idea that his involvement was central to the unfolding events, stating, “You can take a horse to drink, but you can’t force the horse to drink.” He also recalled the disappointment of elder statesman Ferdinand Alabararba, who had supported Fubara’s rise to power but later felt betrayed. “This elder statesman cried; he almost cried. This boy later insulted him; now he can’t go back to him for help,” Wike remarked.

Expressing concern over legislative processes in Rivers, Wike questioned the legitimacy of laws passed by a handful of lawmakers and criticised the judiciary in the state. “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. The worst State High Court we have is the Rivers State High Court,” he said.

He emphasised the independence of elected lawmakers, stating that they are not subordinates but equal stakeholders in governance. “Speakers and Assembly members are not our children; they were elected. It’s not a master-servant thing,” he added, highlighting his past efforts to build strong relationships with legislators.

Wike accused Fubara’s allies of manipulating both the governor and state resources for personal gain, and took aim at the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), describing it as “the worst organisation” for allegedly trying to obstruct President Bola Tinubu’s peace efforts in the state.

“Politics is not play. If he has done something to be impeached, let them impeach him. It’s not a criminal offence,” Wike said, stressing that loyalty in politics should be mutual. He also stirred controversy with remarks on Ijaw representation in the Niger Delta, asserting that the Ijaw are not the majority in the region. He added that while some questioned Fubara’s Ijaw identity due to his Opobo roots, real political power for the Ijaw has historically been limited to Bayelsa.