Rivers-based activist, Jake Epelle, has strongly criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, asserting that any impeachment attempt against Governor Siminalayi Fubara will not succeed.
Speaking on The Morning Brief, a Channels Television program, Epelle warned Wike to stop threatening Fubara with impeachment, insisting that the governor has not committed any offense warranting removal.
“Let them attempt impeachment, they will not succeed. Nobody will impeach Fubara. I say that openly on national television because he has not committed any impeachable offense,” Epelle declared. “The people are solidly behind him.”
He further dismissed fears of unrest, stating that while Rivers people are often portrayed as troublesome, they will stand firmly behind the governor and democracy.
Epelle also condemned the recent incident in which Fubara was denied access to the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters, where lawmakers currently hold plenary sessions. The governor had claimed he informed Speaker Martins Amaewhule of his planned visit, but the Assembly denied receiving any official communication.
Criticizing the Assembly’s actions, Epelle accused its members of embarrassing the governor and failing to pursue peace. He also rebuked Wike for fueling the crisis by instigating impeachment threats.
“Wike does not have the constitutional power to impeach a governor. He is not a member of the State Assembly. He can call for impeachment in his personal opinion, but only the legislators can execute it. Is there someone orchestrating this crisis from behind the scenes? Of course,” Epelle stated.
He further alleged that lawmakers received a directive from Abuja instructing them not to meet with Fubara when he arrived at the Assembly gate.
The crisis between Fubara and Wike’s loyalists in the Rivers Assembly has continued to escalate, raising tensions in the state’s political landscape.
