Rivers crisis: Wike plotting to oust Fubara, install loyalist – Yusuf alleges

 

A political strategist, Baba Yusuf, has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of masterminding moves to remove Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, through impeachment and replace him with a loyalist.

Yusuf made the allegation on Friday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme monitored in Abuja.

He claimed that despite several interventions by President Bola Tinubu aimed at resolving the political feud in Rivers State, Wike had remained adamant in his bid to unseat the governor.

According to him, “Wike has taken this recalcitrant position despite several interventions by President Tinubu, even when those interventions appeared to favour him.

“It got to a point where the President had to take tough measures, including suspending democratic institutions in Rivers for six months. Clearly, this is a fight to finish.”

Yusuf argued that recent developments in the state indicated a deliberate strategy to use constitutional provisions to achieve the objective.

“If you study the unfolding events, you will notice that some actors shifted ground a few days ago, but today they have made a U-turn,” he said.

Citing the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Yusuf noted that Section 191 empowers the Speaker of a state House of Assembly to assume office if both the governor and deputy governor are removed.

“Wike wants to upend Fubara and bring his stooge into office through impeachment. If that happens, Martin Amaewhule, the Speaker of the Rivers State Assembly, will automatically emerge as acting governor as provided by the constitution,” he added.

The allegation comes amid rising tension in Rivers State following reports that the House of Assembly has commenced impeachment proceedings against Fubara.

Political observers fear the deepening rift between the governor and his predecessor may further destabilise governance in the oil-rich state.