Why no one can blame FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for State of Emergency declaration

Why no one can blame FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for State of Emergency declaration

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, has dismissed claims that Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is responsible for the political crisis that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing the ongoing political turmoil as the primary reason. This decision resulted in the suspension of **Governor Siminalayi Fubara**, his deputy, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months. The President appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, **Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (retd.), as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.

However, the decision sparked controversy, with many accusing the President of aligning with Wike and placing blame on Governor Fubara for the crisis in Rivers.

Some critics, including journalist and public commentator Mahmud Jega, argued that Wike played a significant role in stirring the conflict, particularly with his influence over the state’s political matters despite no longer holding office.

Speaking on an ARISE Television program on Wednesday, Jega remarked, “Just as the President enumerated the misdeeds of Governor Fubara, he should have also mentioned the role of the Minister of the FCT, who is central to creating and perpetuating this problem. It’s not normal for someone to act as a godfather from Abuja, causing chaos in the state’s legislature. Unless this issue is addressed, the crisis will likely continue until 2027.”

However, in a Thursday briefing with State House Correspondents, Fagbemi defended Wike, stating that the minister was not to blame for the political chaos.

The AGF placed the responsibility squarely on Governor Fubara, accusing him of overstepping his authority by ordering the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, which exacerbated the situation.

“Was Wike the one who ordered the House of Assembly to be demolished?” Fagbemi asked rhetorically. “I don’t see the hand of the Minister of the FCT in what happened. It was Fubara’s action that led to this crisis.”

Fagbemi explained that the Supreme Court had ruled that Fubara’s actions, particularly the destruction of the assembly complex, were a result of his fear of impeachment.

He added that when the court declared that Rivers State had effectively lost its functioning government, there was no choice but for the President to take drastic measures to restore order.

“This situation was so critical that the only responsible action a leader could take was the decision made by the President on Tuesday,” Fagbemi concluded.