The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has lashed out at Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for sending a letter to the state House of Assembly. The letter, which sought a meeting with lawmakers concerning the Supreme Court’s ruling on the state’s ongoing political turmoil, was dismissed by Wike as “useless” and insincere.
Wike Condemns Fubara’s Tactics
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike made it clear that he disapproved of Fubara’s approach, arguing that the governor’s actions lacked political wisdom. According to him, Speaker Martins Amaewhule and his colleagues are not under Fubara’s control and should be treated with respect.
Wike insisted that rather than sending an official letter, Fubara should have personally reached out to the Speaker and the lawmakers to arrange a meeting. He suggested that the governor’s decision to communicate through a letter was merely an attempt to create a public spectacle rather than genuinely seeking dialogue.
“You have had a frosty relationship with an arm of government. If you are a good politician, will you go and write a letter? Is it by writing a letter signed by the SSG? What an insult! Is it how it is done?” Wike questioned.
The former Rivers State governor did not hold back in his criticism, accusing Fubara of playing to the gallery instead of addressing the political crisis maturely.
“All these letters are useless,” Wike added. “You are not sincere; you are just trying to gain public sympathy instead of resolving the issue properly.”
The ongoing political tension in Rivers State escalated following a February 28 Supreme Court ruling, which made several significant pronouncements on the leadership crisis in the state.
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A five-member panel led by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye rejected Fubara’s appeal, which sought to challenge the legitimacy of the state House of Assembly under Speaker Martins Amaewhule. The court ultimately upheld the Amaewhule-led faction as the official legislative body of Rivers State.
Adding to Fubara’s woes, the Supreme Court also restricted financial institutions, including the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant General’s office, from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government. The ruling came as a consequence of the state government’s failure to comply with previous court directives.
Moreover, the court declared the October 5, 2024, local government elections invalid, further complicating the political crisis.
Following the Supreme Court ruling, Governor Fubara pledged to abide by the decisions and announced a fresh election for local government positions. The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission has now scheduled the new election for August 9, 2025.
In an attempt to ease tensions and restore governance, Fubara’s administration sent a letter to the House of Assembly on Friday, March 8, through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tammy Danagogo. The letter requested a meeting with lawmakers on March 10 to discuss the 2025 state budget and broader efforts to restore political stability.
However, Wike remains skeptical about the governor’s sincerity, insisting that peace cannot return to the state unless Fubara takes the ‘right steps’—though what exactly those steps are remains known only to Wike.
In an interview with Arise News, Wike bluntly stated that peace in Rivers State would remain elusive unless the governor took the necessary political steps.
“What is peace? What is more important than letting the right thing be done? When the right thing is done, there will be peace. But if the right thing is not done, how can you talk about peace?” Wike questioned.
He further advised Fubara to present the state budget to the Assembly and submit the list of commissioners for approval, rather than engaging in what he called “political showmanship.”
The ongoing dispute between Fubara and Wike-backed lawmakers continues to divide political stakeholders in Rivers State. While some believe Fubara is being unfairly targeted, others argue that his approach to governance has only worsened the crisis.
With tensions running high, all eyes remain on the governor’s next move and whether a resolution to the Rivers political turmoil is within reach.
