Youths from the South-South region have intensified calls for the removal of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, blaming him for the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.

The South-South Youths Initiative (SSYI) said lasting peace in Rivers State would only be possible if President Bola Tinubu relieved Wike of his ministerial post, describing his continued presence as a major hindrance to stability and development.

Addressing reporters in Port Harcourt on Friday, SSYI National President, Comrade Imeabe Saviour Oscar, alleged that the political unrest in the state was deliberately engineered to distract Rivers State from governance and economic progress.

Oscar said, “While other states focus on industrialisation, job creation, and economic growth, Rivers State remains mired in an avoidable political crisis.”

The group urged President Tinubu to act swiftly, warning that retaining Wike could be perceived as tacit approval of the turmoil. “We call on Mr. President to sack the Honourable Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike. This step will restore peace, unless the Presidency intends to be seen as endorsing the chaos,” Oscar said.

SSYI also criticised Wike’s tenure as governor, claiming that dissent was suppressed and youth empowerment programmes were largely absent. They said local officials and lawmakers were loyalists who never challenged his administration.

On the ongoing impeachment moves against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, the youths dismissed allegations of financial misconduct, describing the process as a politically motivated exercise allegedly instigated by Wike.

They further accused the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, of being used to destabilise governance in the state.

Oscar concluded with a warning to the Presidency, stating that continued support for Wike could have political consequences for President Tinubu in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections. “We want Nyesom Wike to know that we are not happy with him—not only as youths of Rivers State but of the entire South-South region,” he added.