Nyesom Wike,Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has finally reacted to the political unrest in Rivers State, saying Governor Siminalayi Fubara should be impeached if he has done something to be impeached and warned that lawmakers shouldn’t panic impeach him.
Wike, during a media live chat on Wednesday, expressed frustration over the situation, emphasising the importance of upholding the rule of law and criticising those in the governor’s inner circle.
“You can take a horse to drink, but you can’t force the horse to drink,” Wike remarked when asked about his potential involvement in the matter.
He recounted how elder statesman Ferdinand Alabararba had fervently supported the emergence of an Ijaw governor, only to be later disrespected by the individual he championed.
“This elder statesman cried; he almost cried. This boy later insulted this elder statesman; now he can’t go back to him for help. Ordinarily, these are the people who will call the family people. Forget about me,” Wike said.
Wike defended his own adherence to due process and justice, expressing disbelief that a small number of lawmakers could enact legislation and expect it to be upheld.
“I cannot believe that in this country, we are now at the point where Nigerians are talking about where three members of the House will sit and make a law, and they are talking about going to the Supreme Court. Do we need to go to work?” he questioned, adding, “The worst State High Court we have is the Rivers State High Court.”
He praised those who challenge illegality and emphasised that elected officials should not be treated as subordinates.
“Speakers and Assembly members are not our children; they were elected; they are not your boys or your girls. You sit with them and play with them. I traveled with my Speakers, and I created relationships. It’s not a master-servant thing,” he explained.
The minister accused Governor Fubara’s associates of exploiting him and the state, and criticised the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), labeling it the “worst organisation” he had encountered for allegedly attempting to obstruct President Bola Tinubu’s mediation efforts.
“Politics is not play. If he has done something to be impeached, let them impeach him. It’s not a criminal offence,” Wike stated, asserting that loyalty should be reciprocal.
He further stirred controversy by commenting on Ijaw representation in the Niger Delta, asserting that the Ijaw people do not constitute the majority in the region.
“When I brought this governor, they said he was not a real Ijaw; the real Ijaw is Kalabari, not Opobo. In Akwa Ibom, Ijaw cannot be Governor. Even our elder statesman, who is dead, Clark, did not bring an Ijaw man to be governor of Delta. The only place an Ijaw man can govern is in Bayelsa,” Wike declared.
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