The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Nigeria and former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed concerns over the potential impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, stating that it would not lead to chaos or instability.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, Wike said the state’s House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, has the constitutional right to impeach the governor if he has committed impeachable offenses. He cited allegations against Fubara, including withholding lawmakers’ salaries for months.
“If you have committed an offence to be impeached, what’s wrong? Is it a criminal offence? It’s provided in the constitution. Am I a member of the Assembly?” Wike questioned.
He dismissed claims that Fubara’s removal would trigger unrest, saying, “I have heard people say: ‘Oh, if they impeach him, there will be a breakdown of law and order.’ Rubbish! Nothing will happen.”
The political crisis in Rivers State has escalated following a recent Supreme Court verdict affirming the legitimacy of the Amaewhule-led House. The court also restricted the release of state funds by the Central Bank of Nigeria and other agencies due to the state government’s alleged disobedience of court orders.
Fubara has since pledged to implement the court’s rulings and has set August 9, 2025, as the date for a fresh local government election. However, tensions remain high, with the Assembly issuing an arrest warrant for the state’s electoral commission chairman over failure to appear before the lawmakers.
