The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, stating his desire for the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara from the oil-rich state.
In a move that has sparked controversy, Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the House of Assembly after months of political turmoil in Rivers State.
Wike asserted that the president’s actions prevented chaos in Rivers, arguing that appointing a sole administrator after Fubara’s suspension was a positive decision.
Speaking to selected journalists in Abuja on Friday, the former governor remarked, “As a politician, I am not pleased with the declaration of Emergency Rule in Rivers state. I wanted the governor to be fully removed. However, for the state’s benefit, the president made the right call to avert anarchy.”
He emphasized the need for honesty in the situation, stating, “The governor was finished. He was indeed finished… so when people criticize the president, they should actually be commending him. Every morning, they should approach the president and say, ‘Can we wash your feet for saving us?’”
In February, the Supreme Court intervened in the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State, directing the Martin Amaewhule-led members of the state House of Assembly to reconvene.
The court also ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to cease fund releases to the Rivers State government for its failure to comply with court rulings. It dismissed Fubara’s cross-appeal challenging the validity of the House of Assembly, led by Amaewhule, demanding that the governor resubmit the budget to the lawmakers.
After weeks of conflict between Amaewhule and the lawmakers over the budget and potential impeachment of Fubara, President Tinubu intervened.
He suspended Fubara, his deputy, and the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months on security grounds, declared an emergency in the state, and appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as the sole administrator, which Wike praised as a measure that rescued Rivers.
“Mr. President stepped in and saved the situation, shielding the people of Rivers from calamity and chaos,” Wike contended.
