The Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) has strongly condemned the deepening political crisis in Rivers State, accusing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of using his influence to destabilize democratic governance.
In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, CHRICED described the ongoing turmoil as a “shameful circus,” alleging that Wike is manipulating state institutions and leveraging his ties with the Presidency to impose control over Rivers State.
“At the heart of this crisis is Nyesom Wike, whose disruptive conduct continues to undermine the democratic process in Rivers State,” the statement read. “Though he holds no constitutional role in the state’s governance, Wike has assumed the position of an unelected overlord, using backdoor tactics and political drama to interfere in state affairs.”
CHRICED specifically criticized the recent trip by suspended Rivers State lawmakers to the United Kingdom under the guise of a “capacity building” program. The organization questioned both the legality and funding of the trip, calling it a diversionary ploy amid ongoing political unrest.
“This so-called UK trip is a diversionary spectacle—an insult to the people of Rivers State, who continue to suffer under the weight of political manipulation and democratic erosion,” the group said. “While democracy crumbles at home, these lawmakers and their enabler indulge in luxury abroad.”
The rights group also condemned the Nigerian Police for using force to suppress peaceful protests by Rivers residents demanding transparency and justice.
“The deployment of tear gas against citizens exercising their right to peaceful assembly is a gross violation of fundamental rights,” CHRICED stated. “Such repression is unacceptable in any democratic society and must be unequivocally condemned.”
Further criticism was directed at the military administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), who CHRICED accused of unconstitutional conduct. The group alleged that Ibas illegally appointed 23 local government administrators and reconstituted the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), despite holding no electoral mandate.
“As an unelected figure occupying the Government House, Ibas has no legal authority to make such decisions. His actions are a direct affront to democratic norms and the will of the people,” the organization asserted.
Calling for urgent intervention from the Federal Government, CHRICED warned that continued silence would only embolden undemocratic behavior and set a dangerous precedent.
“Rivers State is not in conflict, yet it is bleeding—wounded by political greed, excess, and unconstitutional interference,” the statement continued. “The people of Rivers deserve peace, justice, and leadership chosen through the ballot, not imposed through manipulation and foreign retreats.”
CHRICED concluded by demanding the full restoration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s authority as the democratically elected leader and the immediate dismissal of Wike from his position as FCT Minister.
“Nyesom Wike and Ibok-Ete Ibas have become liabilities to democratic governance and national cohesion. Let Rivers breathe. Let democracy prevail,” the statement concluded.
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