In a bold statement on Wednesday, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), declared that there would be no catastrophic consequences if the Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Martins Amaewhule, moves to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike made these remarks during a live broadcast in Abuja, stirring up discussions about the ongoing political tensions in the state.
He remarked: “If you have committed an offence warranting impeachment, what’s the issue? Is it a criminal offence? It’s provided for in the constitution. Am I a member of the Assembly?
“If you have breached the constitution and the Assembly finds it appropriate to declare your impeachment.
“I have heard people say: ‘Oh, if they impeach him, there will be a breakdown of law and order.’ Nonsense! Nothing will happen.”
On Friday, February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court issued a series of decisions regarding the protracted political situation in the oil-rich south- south state.
In the judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, the five-member panel of the court unanimously dismissed the cross-appeal filed by Fubara challenging the legitimacy of the House of Assembly presided over by Martins Amaewhule as Speaker.
In dismissing Fubara’s appeal, the court ordered Amaewhule to resume sittings immediately with other elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The apex court prohibited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other agencies from releasing funds to the Government of Rivers State until it rectifies what the court described as blatant disobedience to court orders.
Additionally, the apex court declared the local government election conducted in the state on October 5, 2024, invalid.
Fubara subsequently stated he would fully implement the apex court’s judgements and directed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to devise modalities for a fresh election.
The electoral commission scheduled August 9, 2025, to conduct a new local government poll in the state.
The Assembly later issued an arrest warrant for RSIEC Chief Justice Adolphus Enebeli (RTD) for failing to appear before the House.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tammy Danagogo, in a letter dated March 7, 2025, requested a meeting with the lawmakers for March 10, 2025, to discuss the re-presentation of the 2025 budget and a peace talk, but the Assembly instructed the governor to channel his invitation properly.
