‘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 political unrest in Rivers State, saying Governor Siminalayi Fubara should be impeached if there is sufficient reason for it.
In a media live chat on Wednesday, Wike expressed frustration over the ongoing situation and emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law, criticizing those in the governor’s inner circle.
“You can take a horse to drink, but you can’t force the horse to drink,” Wike remarked when asked about his potential involvement in the matter, referring to the perceived stubbornness of certain political actors.
Wike recounted how elder statesman Ferdinand Alabararba had fervently supported the emergence of an Ijaw governor, only to later be disrespected by the very individual he helped elevate. “This elder statesman cried; he almost cried. This boy later insulted this elder statesman; 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 said.
The Minister defended his own adherence to due process and justice, expressing disbelief that a small group of lawmakers could pass legislation and expect it to be upheld. “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?” he questioned, adding, “The worst State High Court we have is the Rivers State High Court.”
Wike also praised those who challenge illegality and stressed 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 traveled with my Speakers, and I created relationships. It’s not a master-servant thing,” he explained.
The Minister accused Governor Fubara’s associates of exploiting him and the state and criticized the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), calling it the “worst organisation” he had encountered for allegedly attempting to obstruct President Bola Tinubu’s mediation efforts.
“Politics is not play. If he has done something to be impeached, let them impeach him. It’s not a criminal offence,” Wike said, asserting that loyalty should be reciprocal.
He also made a controversial statement about Ijaw representation in the Niger Delta, asserting that the Ijaw people are not the majority in the region. “When I brought this governor, they said he was not a real Ijaw; the real Ijaw is Kalabari, not Opobo. In Akwa Ibom, Ijaw cannot be Governor. Even our elder statesman, who is dead, Clark, did not bring an Ijaw man to be governor of Delta. The only place an Ijaw man can govern is in Bayelsa,” Wike declared.
