Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, affirmed that he would not obstruct the Rivers State House of Assembly from performing its constitutional responsibilities.
This comes amid ongoing political turmoil in the state, as tensions escalate between Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Speaking at a Thanksgiving event in Abalama, Asari-Toru Local Government Area, Wike expressed disappointment over the actions of his successor, particularly the governor’s decision to withhold the salaries and allowances of 27 assembly members. “They told him nothing will happen,” Wike said, adding, “I told the governor that all these things you are seeing are not good for you to face this crisis.”
Wike criticized Fubara’s failure to heed his advice and warned against surrounding oneself with ingrates. He also reflected on his role in helping Fubara’s rise to power, noting that he had urged the governor to remember those who supported him.
“What is important is the result,” Wike emphasized, pointing to the numerous projects initiated under his tenure, including the Ring Road, which he handed over to the current administration.
With mounting tensions between Wike and Fubara, the Rivers State House of Assembly adjourned its sittings indefinitely, just days before the governor planned to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill. Despite the ongoing political standoff, Wike made it clear: “The assembly should be allowed to perform its constitutional duty.”
In a final remark, Wike stated, “I’m not going to stop anybody from carrying out his or her powers. I will not do that.”