Former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed concerns over a potential impeachment of his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, asserting that it would not lead to any crisis.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike, who currently serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), stated that there was nothing unusual if lawmakers decided to remove Fubara over alleged impeachable offences, including the withholding of their salaries for several months.

“If you have committed an offence that warrants impeachment, what is wrong with that? Is it a criminal act? It is a provision of the constitution. Am I a member of the Assembly?” Wike questioned.

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He continued, “If you violate the constitution and the Assembly deems it necessary to impeach you, then so be it. I have heard people say, ‘Oh, if they impeach him, there will be a breakdown of law and order.’ Rubbish! Nothing will happen.”

On 28 February 2025, the Supreme Court issued a series of rulings regarding the protracted political crisis in the oil-rich South-South state. In a judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, a five-man panel of the court unanimously dismissed Fubara’s cross-appeal, which challenged the legitimacy of the House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule.

By dismissing Fubara’s appeal, the court effectively directed Amaewhule to resume legislative sittings alongside other elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Furthermore, the apex court barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other financial institutions from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government until it complied with existing court orders.

The court also declared the local government elections held on 5 October 2024 invalid. In response, Fubara reiterated his commitment to implementing the court’s verdict and directed RSIEC to organise fresh elections, which have been scheduled for 9 August 2025.

Meanwhile, the Assembly issued an arrest warrant for RSIEC Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.), over his failure to appear before the House.

Additionally, Secretary to the State Government Tammy Danagogo, in a letter dated 7 March 2025, sought a meeting with lawmakers on 10 March 2025 to discuss the re-presentation of the 2025 budget and peace talks. However, the Assembly maintained that any such invitation must follow the proper protocol.