The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to those threatening to shut down Nigeria’s oil production due to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja, Wike cautioned against resorting to violence, emphasising that such actions would have consequences.
“Who called for the impeachment of the Governor? I am not aware… If Fubara has committed any infraction against the constitution or engaged in any impeachable offence, nothing stops him from being impeached.”
He further criticised threats to disrupt oil production over political disagreements.
“As a sitting president, you cannot threaten to shut down oil production because of an impeachment scare… Enough is enough!”
Addressing ethnic dynamics in the region, Wike stated:
“Ijaws are a minority in the Niger Delta. They are a minority in Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Edo. They can only become Governor in Bayelsa based on their majority. In Rivers, I have always said we are one big family, and the Ijaw also deserve the governorship.”
He also recalled events leading to the emergence of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
“Ferdinand Alabrabra, Chairman of the Rivers State Elders Forum, wept at a meeting before Fubara was chosen as my successor… Yet, he had the effrontery to insult him and other elders on national television.”
Wike insisted that peace in Rivers State would only be possible if due process was followed.
“Fubara, go and submit your budget to the State Assembly. Go and submit the list of your commissioners… You cannot continue to commit illegality and expect peace to reign.”
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has urged stakeholders in Rivers State to respect the Supreme Court verdict, which recently nullified last year’s local government elections and reinstated Martin Amaewhule and his faction as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Wike highlighted Tinubu’s efforts to mediate in the crisis.
“President Tinubu sat with all sides for three hours to mediate. National security was there… Yet, they went back and did as they wished.”
During a meeting with Niger Delta leaders under the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the rule of law.
“This is a nation governed by the rule of law. I should not be here as President without it. I have total confidence in our judiciary. Human beings can make errors, but once the court has spoken, that is it,” presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga quoted Tinubu as saying.
The President urged PANDEF leaders to ensure compliance with the court ruling.
“Please go back home and help implement the court rulings within the shortest possible time. I am putting the ball in your court. Help! Privately and openly intervene and counsel the governor. Pursue the path of peace and stability.”
Tinubu revealed that he had foreseen the crisis and made attempts to prevent it.
“Yes, the Niger Delta is the goose that lays the golden egg. We must care for the goose; otherwise, we lose the golden egg. I got your signal and concerns, particularly about Rivers State. I have been on this issue for quite some time. I foresaw the crisis festering for too long before I intervened.”
“We reached an agreement, a written agreement, and both parties signed.”
Speaking on behalf of PANDEF, King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom and Co-Chairman of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, commended the President’s leadership.
“Your government has taken the bull by the horns, and we are sure you will succeed. We are here to give you our assurance and support. God bless Nigeria and your government.”
