Centre calls for immediate restoration of democratic order in Rivers

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and immediate past governor of Rivers state, recently hosted the 27 suspended Rivers assembly lawmakers in the United Kingdom. The suspended Rivers lawmakers, led by Martins Amaewhule, the Speaker, had departed Nigeria for a tour in the United Kingdom. Amaewhule was said to have declared open […]

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and immediate past governor of Rivers state, recently hosted the 27 suspended Rivers assembly lawmakers in the United Kingdom.

The suspended Rivers lawmakers, led by Martins Amaewhule, the Speaker, had departed Nigeria for a tour in the United Kingdom.

Amaewhule was said to have declared open the 10th Rivers Assembly Legislative Tour of the United Kingdom on Friday.

He claimed that the legislative tour would allow the House to learn new things outside the shores of Nigeria, which would improve the capacity of members for the tasks ahead.

Reacting, the Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED), expressed concern over the escalating political crisis in the state.

In a statement signed by Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, Executive Director of CHRICED, the organisation said what began as a political disagreement has now “spiraled into a constitutional disaster fueled by impunity, unchecked power, and the subversion of democratic norms.”

Zikirullahi said: “At the center of this turmoil is the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whose disruptive actions continue to destabilize Rivers State. Despite holding no constitutional role in the state’s administration, Wike has positioned himself as an unelected overlord, orchestrating political drama and exploiting his relationship with the Presidency to undermine democratic institutions.

“In a shocking development, suspended members of the Rivers State House of Assembly—key players in this constitutional violation—are currently in the United Kingdom under the guise of a “capacity building” programme. This extravagant retreat, reportedly hosted by Wike, raises serious questions: Who approved this trip? Who is funding it? What capacity is being built by lawmakers who have actively violated constitutional order?

“This UK trip is nothing more than a diversionary spectacle—a shameful circus at the expense of the suffering people of Rivers State. While the state faces democratic decay, these suspended lawmakers and their enabler indulge in luxury abroad, disconnected from the crisis they have helped create.

“Even more alarming is the violent response to recent peaceful protests by citizens demanding accountability and the rule of law. The deployment of tear gas by the Nigeria Police to suppress these voices is a grave violation of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and assembly. Such repression is unacceptable in a democracy and must be unequivocally condemned.”

CHRICED also denounced the “illegalities” entrenched in Rivers State by the Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.

“His appointments of 23 local government administrators and the constitution of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) are unconstitutional.

“As an unelected occupant of the Rivers State Government House, Ibas has no authority to make such appointments. His actions represent a direct affront to the will of the people” the organization said.

The centre added that “the silence of the Federal Government in the face of these abuses sends a dangerous message: that certain individuals are above the law and that institutions can be hijacked without consequence. This abdication of responsibility undermines the very foundations of Nigeria’s democracy.

“Rivers State is not at war, but it is bleeding—wounded by political excess, greed, and unconstitutional interference. CHRICED calls for the immediate restoration of the democratically elected government of Rivers State, led by Governor Siminalaye Fubara. Furthermore, we demand the immediate dismissal of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Both Wike and Ibas are liabilities to democratic governance and national stability.”