FCT Minister Accuses Rivers State Governor of Defying Court Order

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has openly accused the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, of defying a court judgment. Wike made these remarks during an interview on Channels Television‘s “Politics Today” aired on Tuesday.

Wike expressed concerns about the consequences of flouting court orders, highlighting the risk of chaos and a breakdown of law and order. He stated, “I was a governor, I have always obeyed the rule of law. You heard the governor say that our state is turning into a state of anarchy where people do not obey the rule of law.”

Continuing his critique, Wike added, “You must obey the judgment of the court. You must not take the law into your own hands. The moment you don’t obey court judgment, you are inviting anarchy, you are inviting violence.”

The minister further accused Governor Fubara of publicly declaring on national television his intention not to comply with a court ruling. Wike also criticized his successor for remarks related to police security arrangements for the local government elections held in Rivers State.

The accusation comes amidst heightened political tension in Rivers State, which escalated following incidents of violence on Sunday. According to reports from PUNCH Online, the unrest was partly fueled by an order from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, which demanded the unsealing of 23 local government secretariats and the immediate withdrawal of police officers who had been assigned since July.

Despite the withdrawal of major political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party and All Progressives Congress, from the recent local government election, Governor Fubara insisted the polls proceed. The elections resulted in the Action People’s Party winning 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions, with the Action Alliance securing one seat.

Fubara promptly swore in the newly elected chairpersons on Sunday. However, on Monday, some of these officials encountered violent attacks, with reports of council secretariats being set ablaze by political adversaries.

In response to the turmoil, President Bola Tinubu directed the police to ensure the safety of local government secretariats across the state.