The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s approach to engaging the Rivers State House of Assembly, describing a recent letter sent by the governor as “useless” and insincere. Wike, the immediate-past governor of Rivers State, made the remarks during a chat with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday.
The letter, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, sought a meeting with the lawmakers to discuss the implementation of the Supreme Court’s verdict on the state’s political affairs. However, Wike dismissed the gesture as politically naive and disrespectful.
“You have had a frosty relationship with an arm of government. If you are a good politician, will you go and write a letter? Is it by writing a letter signed by the SSG? What an insult! Is it how it is done? If you are a politician, you know what to do,” Wike stated.
He accused Governor Fubara of playing to the gallery, adding, “You want to play to the gallery which is rubbish. All these letters are useless, you are not sincere, you are playing to the gallery.”
Wike emphasized that the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and other lawmakers are not subordinate to the governor and should be accorded respect. Amaewhule and over 20 lawmakers in the House are loyal to Wike.
The FCT minister suggested that Governor Fubara should have personally reached out to the Speaker and other lawmakers to arrange a meeting, rather than issuing a public letter.
Supreme Court Verdict and Its Implications
The Supreme Court, in a judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, dismissed Governor Fubara’s cross-appeal challenging the validity of the Rivers State House of Assembly presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule. The court ordered Amaewhule and other elected members to resume sitting immediately.
The apex court also barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other agencies from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government until it complies with court orders. Additionally, the court declared the local government election conducted on October 5, 2024, as invalid.
In response, Governor Fubara pledged to fully implement the Supreme Court’s judgment and directed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to organize fresh local government elections, scheduled for August 9, 2025. However, the Assembly has since issued an arrest warrant against RSIEC’s Chief, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), for failing to appear before the House.
Ongoing Tensions and Political Standoff
The political rift between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, backed by Wike, continues to deepen. The Assembly has asked the governor to properly channel his invitation for a meeting, highlighting the strained relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government in the state.
