The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, of inciting recent violence by ignoring a court order that deemed the local government elections illegal. Wike made these statements during a segment on Channels Television’s political program, labeling the governor’s actions as an abuse of the rule of law.
Wike criticized Fubara’s decision to form a judicial panel to investigate the violence and killings that occurred earlier in the week, asserting that it was unnecessary since Fubara had already identified his political opponents as the culprits on national television. “If the perpetrators are known, he should direct the police to arrest them instead of wasting time on an inquiry,” Wike stated.
Regarding the unrest that followed the swearing-in of newly elected local government chairmen on Sunday, Wike condemned the governor’s actions, saying, “No decent person who believes in peace and stability would endorse violence or destruction. The key question remains: What has caused this violence, instability, and destruction?”
Wike, who previously served as the governor of Rivers State, highlighted his commitment to upholding the rule of law during his tenure. He criticized Fubara for openly rejecting the court ruling, warning, “Our state is descending into anarchy where individuals openly defy the rule of law.”
He emphasized that restoring peace in Rivers State requires adherence to legal processes, urging Governor Fubara to respect the court’s decision. “By refusing to obey a court’s judgement, you are inviting chaos and violence,” Wike warned, expressing discontent with the governor’s characterization of the ruling as “fraudulent.”
Additionally, Wike commented on Fubara’s appeal against the court ruling, accusing him of impatience. “By appealing, you acknowledge the judgment against you, yet you publicly defy it instead of allowing the legal process to proceed, which is unprecedented,” he remarked.
The former governor concluded by urging his political rival to recognize the importance of respecting the judiciary, stating that defiance of court orders jeopardizes the rule of law and stability in the state.
