Amid the escalating political crisis plaguing Rivers State, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has outlined conditions to mend broken ties with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike, who condemned Fubara’s constant disobedience to the rule of law and his superiors, emphasized that peace in the state hinges on the governor’s willingness to do the right thing, saying ‘You can take a horse to drink, but you can’t force the horse to drink.
According to him, Fubara must represent the 2025 budget to the State Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule, and also resubmit the names of his commissioners for clearance.
“What is peace? What is important is, to let the right thing be done. When the right things are done, there will be peace. Peace is predicated on doing the right thing.
“Go and re-present the budget, go and submit the list of the commissioners. You cannot do illegality,” Wike said.
The former governor, during an interview session with the journalist in Abuja on Wednesday, emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law while criticizing those in the Fubara’s inner circle
Wike, who regretted trusting the governor, 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.
When asked if he was in support to impeach Fubara, he said, “Politics is not play. If he has done something to be impeached, let them impeach him. It’s not a criminal offense.”
Rivers has been embroiled in a political crisis, with the Supreme Court ordering Governor Fubara to present his appropriation bill to the legitimate members of the assembly for review and approval.
Previously, Fubara had pledged that his administration would fully implement the Supreme Court’s judgment, which includes conducting fresh council elections and submitting his appropriation budget to the Martins Amaewhule-led legislature, among other directives.
