The political crisis in Rivers State has taken a new turn as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed support for the state’s House of Assembly in its ongoing faceoff with Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a key figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stated that there would be nothing wrong if the Assembly decides to impeach Fubara for alleged constitutional infractions, including withholding lawmakers’ salaries for months.
“If you have committed an offence that warrants impeachment, what’s wrong with that? Is it a criminal offence? It is provided for in the constitution,” Wike said during a media chat in Abuja. He dismissed concerns that such a move could lead to a breakdown of law and order, asserting that “nothing will happen.”
The crisis stems from a long-standing power struggle between the governor and the faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, who is believed to be loyal to Wike. The Supreme Court, in a landmark judgment on February 28, 2025, upheld the legitimacy of the Amaewhule-led House and ordered it to resume legislative activities. The apex court also barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government until it complies with previous court orders.
Additionally, the Supreme Court nullified the local government elections conducted in Rivers State on October 5, 2024. In response, Governor Fubara directed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to organize fresh elections, which have been scheduled for August 9, 2025. However, tensions escalated further when the Assembly issued an arrest warrant against RSIEC Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), for failing to appear before the House.
The standoff continued when Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, wrote to the Assembly on March 7, 2025, seeking a meeting for March 10, 2025, to discuss the re-presentation of the 2025 budget and possible peace talks. However, the lawmakers insisted that the governor must follow proper channels in his communications with the Assembly.
The impasse reached another flashpoint when Fubara was denied entry into the Assembly Quarters where he had intended to re-present the 2025 budget. Wike defended the lawmakers’ decision, arguing that Fubara should not have shown up uninvited, especially after his administration demolished the Assembly Complex in December 2023.
“If you write a letter to the Assembly, won’t you wait for a response?” Wike queried. “He is playing to the gallery. Can the President just walk into the National Assembly without an invitation? Who does that?”
Wike further criticized Fubara’s approach, saying that the lawmakers, who now hold sittings at their official residence following the demolition of the Assembly Complex, should have been properly informed and allowed to prepare for his visit.
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With the Rivers State crisis deepening, political analysts warn that unless a truce is reached, governance in the state could be significantly affected, with implications for both political stability and development. The coming months will be critical as stakeholders attempt to navigate the complex political terrain and resolve the lingering tensions.
