Former Rivers State governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that Governor Siminalayi Fubara should face impeachment if found wanting, emphasizing that such an action is not a criminal offense.
Speaking during a live media chat on Wednesday, Wike stressed that politics is not child’s play and defended the legitimacy of impeachment if due process is followed.
He also criticized the notion that a handful of lawmakers—apparently referring to the few Assembly members loyal to Fubara—could enact legislation.
“Politics is not play. If he has done something to be impeached, let them impeach him. It’s not a criminal offense,” Wike asserted.
“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 political crisis in Rivers State has intensified since the Supreme Court recognized the 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike and nullified the local government elections conducted in October 2024.
Wike praised those who challenged illegality, arguing 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 engage them. I traveled with my Speakers and built relationships. It’s not a master-servant arrangement,” he said.
The former governor also recounted how an elder statesman, Ferdinand Alabaraba, who had supported the emergence of an Ijaw governor, was later disrespected by the very person he backed.
“This elder statesman cried; he almost cried. This boy later insulted him. Now, he can’t go back to him for help. Ordinarily, these are the people who will call the family people. Forget about me,” Wike added.
