The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that if the Rivers State House of Assembly believes Governor Siminalayi Fubara has violated the constitution, they should proceed with impeachment.
Wike made this known on Wednesday during a media chat with selected journalists, asserting that politics should not be taken lightly and that removing the governor would not constitute a criminal offence.
According to the minister, “Politics is not just play. If you have committed an offence worthy of impeachment, what’s wrong with that? Is it a criminal offence? It is provided for in the constitution. Am I a member of the Assembly?
“If you have committed an infraction of the constitution, and the Assembly deems it appropriate to say you should be impeached, so be it.
“I have heard people say, ‘Oh, if they impeach him, there will be a breakdown of law and order.’ Rubbish! Nothing will happen.”
While defending his commitment to legal procedures and fairness, Wike questioned how a handful of legislators could pass laws and expect them to be recognized as valid.
“I cannot believe that in this country, we have reached a point where Nigerians are discussing how three members of the House can sit and make a law, and then refer the matter to the Supreme Court.
“Speakers and Assembly members are not our children; they were elected representatives. They are not your boys or girls. You sit with them and play with them, and I travelled with my Speakers to build relationships. It is not a master-servant dynamic.”
Wike also described Fubara’s letter, which sought a meeting with lawmakers regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling on the state’s political landscape, as “useless.”
He expressed his disapproval of Fubara’s public approach to the State Assembly, emphasising that Speaker Martins Amaewhule and the members of the Assembly are not Fubara’s subordinates and should be treated with respect.
According to the FCT minister, rather than drafting a public letter, Fubara should have simply called Amaewhule and his team directly to facilitate a meeting.
He stressed that the lawmakers are independent and should not be perceived as answerable to the governor.
“You have had a frosty relationship with a branch of government. If you are a good politician, would you write a letter? Is it appropriate to send a letter signed by the SSG?
“What an insult! This is not how it should be done. Politicians know the right way to communicate. You aim to play to the gallery, but that is nonsense. All these letters are useless; they lack sincerity and seem like mere performances,” he said.
When questioned about restoring peace in the state, Wike emphasised that genuine peace cannot be achieved until appropriate actions are taken.
“What is peace? What’s more important than ensuring the right things are done? When justice is served, peace follows.
“But if the right issues are not addressed, how can we talk about peace? Go present the budget; submit the list of commissioners,” he said.
Wike, while responding to questions regarding plans to conduct local government elections in the state, expressed disappointment with Enebeli, whom he appointed as RSIEC chairman, stating that he lacks integrity.
“The Assembly summoned the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), who is one of the most corrupt individuals I have ever encountered.
“He knows who I am, so let him challenge me. Instead of appearing before the Assembly, he went to the state High Court because the Chief Judge is his ally, but this won’t conclude the matter,” he said.
Wike likened the situation to one where the National Assembly summons the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who then opts for judicial intervention.
“When you operate outside the bounds of legality, you will eventually face consequences. Now let me explain why the August 27 local government elections will not occur.
“It will not stand. That chairman, Adolphus Enebeli, is only interested in personal gain. Did he even read the judgment?
“I know him well, as I appointed him. These are individuals lacking in character. Yes, you can hold me accountable; I take full responsibility,” he said.
