Port Harcourt, January 12, 2026 — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has firmly declared that only President Bola Tinubu possesses the authority to remove him from office, dismissing widespread calls from critics and interest groups demanding his sacking over the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State.
Wike made the statement during his concluding thank-you tour in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA) on Sunday, January 11, 2026, where he addressed party leaders, traditional rulers, women, and youths. The tour, spanning all 23 LGAs in Rivers State, was aimed at expressing gratitude for support during the 2023 elections and rallying continued backing for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.
“People who say, ‘sack me,’ it doesn’t lie in their mouth. If my appointor believes that I cannot offer anything again, he has the right; it is not that you should tell him,” Wike stated, emphasizing that such decisions rest solely with the President who appointed him. He further underscored the nature of political power, saying, “Power is not dashed, you struggle for it. After all, if Donald Trump does not have the power, will he go to Venezuela to pick a president?”
Wike highlighted the political influence of Obio/Akpor, his home LGA, asserting, “For the people of Obio/Akpor, we have the power to dictate who will rule,” and contrasting its electoral strength (capable of producing significant votes) with smaller areas that he claimed could only muster limited support.
The minister's remarks came in direct response to mounting pressure, particularly from the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), which on January 9, 2026, condemned the impeachment proceedings initiated by the Rivers State House of Assembly against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and demanded Wike's immediate removal as FCT Minister. The IYC accused Wike of fomenting unrest and being the mastermind behind efforts to destabilize the state, describing him as “not a true democrat but an enemy of democracy and good governance.” The group urged President Tinubu to sack Wike, arguing that his actions undermine peace in the oil-rich South-South state.
The impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, involves seven counts of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu. Allegations include the demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary expenditure, withholding of funds for the Assembly Service Commission, unconstitutional spending, and alleged disobedience of a Supreme Court ruling on legislative financial autonomy. The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, confirmed that notices of allegations have been served on both officials, with proceedings adjourned to January 15, 2026, pending their responses.
Assembly spokesperson Enemi George (also referred to as Dr. Enemi Alabo George) rejected claims that the process was engineered by Wike, calling such attributions “insulting” and an attempt to reduce a constitutional duty to mere politics. “This is pouring oil into water, and those two don’t mix unless boiled,” George said in interviews, stressing that lawmakers are acting independently under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He warned against conflating political alignments with legislative responsibilities.
The rift between Wike, a former Rivers governor, and his successor Fubara has persisted since shortly after Fubara's 2023 inauguration, centered on control of political structures, party machinery, and governance in the state. Despite President Tinubu's interventions—including a peace accord in June 2025 and a six-month state of emergency declared in March 2025—the disagreement has repeatedly resurfaced. Wike has accused Fubara of breaching trust and reneging on commitments, while warning APC leaders supporting the governor to stay out of Rivers affairs.
This latest escalation marks the third impeachment attempt against Fubara in less than three years, raising concerns among stakeholders about governance paralysis, investor confidence, and stability in Rivers, a major oil-producing state critical to Nigeria's economy. Groups like the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have described the crisis as an “ego war” and urged reconciliation, warning that prolonged conflict serves no one's interest.
Wike's defiant posture, including his reference to U.S. President Donald Trump's intervention in Venezuela as an example of power dynamics, has intensified debates. Critics view it as a threat to use influence aggressively, while supporters see it as a realistic acknowledgment of political realities.
As the impeachment proceedings continue and calls for Wike's removal persist, attention remains on President Tinubu, who holds the key to resolving the impasse. Observers note that the feud could impact the APC's prospects in the South-South ahead of 2027 elections, with some analysts predicting challenges in mobilizing support without unified leadership.
The Rivers crisis underscores the complexities of godfatherism and succession politics in Nigeria, where personal loyalties often intersect with constitutional processes and regional interests.
