The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and PDP Governors Forum Chairman, Bala Mohammed, following the Supreme Court’s decision against the Rivers State government.
Wike questioned whether Atiku and Bala Mohammed would still commend Governor Sim Fubara for ignoring court rulings now that the Supreme Court had intervened. According to him, their earlier support for Fubara’s actions had emboldened lawlessness in the state.
The Supreme Court, in its ruling delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation to stop releasing funds to the Rivers State government. The court ruled that the restriction would remain in place until Governor Fubara stopped all unconstitutional and unlawful activities.
Furthermore, the court declared that the Rivers State government could only receive funds after enacting a legitimate Appropriation Law under the leadership of Martin Amaewhule, who leads the state House of Assembly. The ruling also reinstated the 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike and ordered them to immediately resume their legislative functions.
Reacting to the development, Wike described the ruling as a crucial step in restoring order and halting impunity in Rivers State. Addressing journalists in Abuja, he said, “These are the things we experience in this country. When you speak out, people resort to blackmail. But now, the Supreme Court has spoken.”
He further expressed satisfaction, stating, “For me, this is a victory for the people of Rivers State and Nigerians at large. This level of impunity must stop. Enough is enough. When the issue of local government administration arose, a governor who swore to uphold the constitution openly disregarded a valid court judgment and called it corrupt.”
Wike also emphasized that the Supreme Court’s decision reaffirmed the necessity of legal governance. “We thank God that today, the apex court has settled this matter. You cannot run a government without a budget. The CBN and Accountant General must not release any money until a proper budget is passed by the recognized state assembly,” he stated.
Criticizing Fubara’s handling of local government elections, Wike accused him of violating electoral laws. “You refused to follow due process in conducting local government elections. INEC does not release voters’ registers when a court order is ignored. Yet, some Nigerians were applauding such lawlessness,” he said.
Mocking Atiku and Bala Mohammed, Wike questioned their stance in light of the new court ruling. “People like Atiku were celebrating Fubara’s actions. I wonder if they will still applaud him today? Will the PDP Governors Forum Chairman continue to support him?” he asked.
Wike concluded by stressing the importance of preserving democracy. “The Supreme Court has made it clear—this impunity must end. If we allow this precedent, soon a single lawmaker might declare himself an assembly. We must protect our democracy,” he asserted.