The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for writing a letter to the state House of Assembly.
The letter, which sought a meeting with lawmakers about the Supreme Court’s decision on the state’s political situation, was dismissed by Wike as “useless.”
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike expressed his disapproval of Fubara’s approach.
He emphasised that Speaker Martins Amaewhule and the lawmakers are not under Fubara’s control and should be treated with respect.
Wike argued that instead of writing a public letter, Fubara should have directly contacted Amaewhule and his team by phone to arrange a meeting.
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He stated that the lawmakers are not Fubara’s subordinates and deserve respect.
The minister argued that instead of sending a public letter, Fubara should have simply called Amaewhule to arrange a meeting.
“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.
“You want to play at the gallery which is rubbish. All these letters are useless, you are not sincere, you are playing to the gallery,” he said.
On February 28, the Supreme Court made several rulings concerning the political situation in Rivers State.
A five-member panel led by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye rejected Fubara’s appeal, which challenged the legitimacy of the House of Assembly under Speaker Amaewhule.
The court recognized the Amaewhule lead assembly as the legit Rivers assembly.
The Supreme Court also blocked the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Accountant General and other financial bodies from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government.
The court accused the government of disobeying previous rulings, declaring the local government election held on October 5, 2024, as invalid.
In response, Fubara promised to comply with the court’s decisions, instructing the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission to organise a fresh election, now scheduled for August 9, 2025.
Further efforts to resolve the crisis continued as the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, sent a letter on Friday, requesting a meeting with lawmakers on March 10.
The meeting is expected to address the 2025 budget and efforts to restore peace.
When asked how peace could be restored in the state, Wike said it can’t be restored until the right thing is done.
“What is peace? What is more important than letting the right thing be done? When the right thing is done, there will be peace. But if the right thing is not done, how can you talk about peace? Go present the budget; go submit the list of the commissioners.” – Wike
