By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has weighed in on the ongoing political tension in Rivers State, urging that Governor Siminalayi Fubara should be impeached if there is a legitimate reason.
During a live media chat on Wednesday, Wike expressed his frustration with the current state of affairs, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the rule of law and accusing the governor’s close associates of exploiting him and the state.
Wike stressed that lawmakers should not be pressured into a hasty impeachment, adding, “If he has done something to be impeached, let them impeach him. It’s not a criminal offence.”
He also took issue with the idea that a small group of lawmakers could enact laws that could later be challenged in the Supreme Court.
The Minister reflected on his own experience with the political landscape, highlighting a situation where elder statesman Ferdinand Alabararba had strongly supported the rise of an Ijaw governor, only to be later disrespected by the very individual he helped.
Wike expressed disbelief at the political gamesmanship, and criticized the tendency of some to treat elected officials as subordinates.
Wike also criticized the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), calling it the “worst organisation” he had encountered, accusing it of attempting to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s mediation efforts.
In a controversial statement, Wike also weighed in on the issue of Ijaw representation in the Niger Delta, declaring that the Ijaw people do not constitute the majority in the region and stating that Ijaw men should only govern in Bayelsa.