The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has openly criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s approach to engaging with the state legislature. Wike described Fubara’s formal letter to the Rivers State House of Assembly, which sought a meeting to discuss the implementation of a Supreme Court verdict on the state’s political affairs, as “useless.”
Wike’s Critique of Fubara’s Approach
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike, who served as the immediate past governor of Rivers State, expressed his disapproval of Fubara’s method of communication. He emphasized that Speaker Martins Amaewhule and the other lawmakers are not subordinates to the governor and should be treated with due respect.
Wike argued that instead of issuing a public letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Fubara should have personally reached out to Amaewhule to arrange a meeting. He stated, “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? If you are a politician, you know what to do.”
Supreme Court’s Intervention in Rivers State Political Crisis
The backdrop to this criticism is a series of significant rulings by the Supreme Court concerning the political landscape of Rivers State. On February 28, 2025, the apex court delivered a unanimous verdict that has far-reaching implications for the state’s governance:
Financial Restrictions: The Supreme Court barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other government agencies from disbursing funds to the Rivers State Government. This measure is to remain until the state government complies with previous court rulings it had allegedly disregarded.
Legislative Legitimacy: The court dismissed Governor Fubara’s appeal challenging the legitimacy of the House of Assembly under Speaker Martins Amaewhule. It ordered Amaewhule and other elected lawmakers to resume their legislative duties immediately, criticizing Fubara for presenting the state’s appropriation bill to a four-member assembly, thereby excluding 28 constituencies.
Local Government Elections Annulled: The Supreme Court nullified the local government elections held on October 5, 2024, citing substantial violations of the Electoral Act. The court determined that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission failed to adhere to electoral guidelines, rendering the entire election process void.
Wike’s Stance on Upholding Democratic Principles
Wike lauded the Supreme Court’s rulings as a victory for democracy and a reaffirmation of the rule of law. He underscored that democracy cannot function without a legitimate legislature and condemned actions that undermine this principle.
Criticizing the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, Wike described it as an abuse of executive power intended to silence the legislature. He further cautioned Governor Fubara against ignoring the Supreme Court’s orders, stating that such defiance could lead to anarchy.
Governor Fubara’s Response and the Path Forward
In response to the Supreme Court’s decisions, Governor Fubara has expressed his intention to comply with the rulings. He has directed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission to organize fresh local government elections, now scheduled for August 9, 2025.
Additionally, the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, sent a letter on March 7, requesting a meeting with lawmakers on March 10 to address the 2025 budget and efforts to restore peace.
