I won’t interfere in Rivers Assembly’s constitutional duties – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that he will not interfere with the Rivers State House of Assembly in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.

Speaking at a Thanksgiving/Civic Reception organized by Ijaw stakeholders under the New Associates Kalabari in Abalama, Asari-Toru Local Government Area, Wike stated that he had anticipated the ongoing political turmoil in the state. He claimed to have advised Governor Siminalayi Fubara on how to navigate the situation, but the governor chose a different path, surrounding himself with individuals he described as “ingrates.”

Wike criticized the governor’s decision to withhold the salaries and allowances of the 27 lawmakers led by Martin Amaewhule, attributing it to misleading advice from those in his inner circle.

The former governor maintained that his only wrongdoing was advising Fubara to take care of those who supported his emergence.

Wike stated, “The primaries came (PDP primaries). Today, the governor said he was not going to run and that my Commissioner of Finance, Isaac Kamalu, should be the one to run.

“What did we do wrong? We said all the council chairmen suffered. All the Assemblymen suffered. National Assemblymen suffered for you to become governor. Therefore, don’t abandon them.

“That was the only offence I committed, and then they said every time I’m asking for money. Which money am I asking for? Okay, thank you. Has the money come?”

He further claimed that many ongoing projects in the state, including the Ring Road, were his initiatives, handed over to the governor to endear him to the people. Wike challenged Fubara to name any project he initiated himself.

“It is not to abuse us. You can abuse me as much as you want, and let me tell you, I have never bothered myself because abuse does not kill anybody. What is important is the result. Is it not?”

Wike expressed disapproval of the prolonged withholding of lawmakers’ salaries, stating that they had been unable to pay their children’s school fees or provide for their families.

“And let me tell you, I’m not going to stop the assembly from performing their constitutional duty. The assembly should be allowed to perform its constitutional duty. People who love peace don’t threaten people.

“Assembly people should do their work. Whatever they deem necessary that is constitutional, they should do. I’m not going to stop anybody from carrying out his or her powers. I will not do that.”

His remarks come after the Rivers State House of Assembly adjourned indefinitely on Friday, shortly after Governor Fubara notified the Speaker of his plan to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.