The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, stirred controversy on Wednesday by asserting that there would be no crisis if the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, proceeds with the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
During a live broadcast monitored in Abuja, Wike boldly stated, "If you have committed an offence warranting impeachment, what’s the issue? Is it a criminal offence? It’s provided for in the constitution. Am I a member of the Assembly?" He dismissed concerns about potential chaos, saying, "If you have breached the constitution and the Assembly finds it appropriate to declare your impeachment, heaven will not fall. I’ve heard people say, 'Oh, if they impeach him, there will be a breakdown of law and order.’ Nonsense! Nothing will happen.”
Wike’s comments follow the February 28, 2025, Supreme Court ruling that upheld the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Amaewhule. The Court dismissed an appeal filed by Fubara, challenging the Assembly’s composition and leadership. The apex court ordered Amaewhule to resume duties immediately with the other elected members and banned financial institutions from releasing funds to the Rivers government until it corrected its non-compliance with court orders.
Further tension escalated as the court declared the October 2024 local government election in Rivers State invalid. Fubara subsequently directed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to organize a fresh election, now scheduled for August 9, 2025.
Amid these legal and political upheavals, the Assembly issued an arrest warrant for RSIEC Chairman Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd) for failing to appear before them. Meanwhile, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tammy Danagogo, sent a letter on March 7, 2025, requesting a meeting with the Assembly to discuss the 2025 budget re-presentation and proposed peace talks. However, the Assembly refused the invitation, demanding that the governor formally channel it through the proper procedures.
The situation continues to unfold as political tensions rise in the state.
