The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), USA chapter, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sack the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as a step towards resolving the lingering political crisis in Rivers State.

The group also urged the President to declare a six-month state of emergency in parts of Northern Nigeria ravaged by insurgency and banditry, warning that credible elections cannot be conducted in areas under terrorist control ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Thursday, NADECO USA President and Chief Executive Officer, Lloyd Ukwu, alleged that Wike’s actions were at the heart of the Rivers political turmoil, insisting that lasting peace would remain elusive unless the minister was sanctioned.

Ukwu said Wike’s removal would send a strong signal that President Tinubu does not support what he described as the minister’s overbearing influence in Rivers State’s political affairs.

“The main problem in Rivers State today, as far as this crisis is concerned, is the Minister of the FCT. Rivers people know where the problem lies. The President must call him to order. Wike is his employee,” he said.

NADECO USA further cautioned that allowing insecurity to persist in parts of the country could undermine the integrity of future elections, stressing the need for decisive action to restore order and public confidence.