- Rivers State Assembly moves to investigate Chief Judge Simeon Amadi over alleged age falsification
- FCT Minister Nyesom Wike declares that Fubara can be removed from office without consequences
- Ijaw leaders urge President Bola Tinubu to check Wike’s influence and prevent political instability in Rivers State
The political crisis in Rivers State has deepened following the state House of Assembly’s decision to investigate allegations of age falsification against the Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi.
This move is widely seen as another step in the ongoing power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his political opponents, particularly his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
House of Assembly targets Chief Judge
At its 135th legislative session, the Rivers State House of Assembly resolved to request the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate Justice Amadi over alleged discrepancies in his age, as raised by the House Leader, Hon. Major Jack.
The Assembly argued that age falsification is a serious offense that warrants thorough scrutiny.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule justified the investigation, citing Section 128 of the Constitution, which empowers the House to probe such allegations.
However, he accused Governor Fubara of obstructing legislative functions by preventing heads of ministries, departments, and agencies from appearing before the Assembly.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Justice Amadi, an Ikwerre native like Wike, had previously resisted an alleged offer of N5 billion and luxury properties abroad to support Fubara’s impeachment.
This has fueled speculation that the probe is an attempt to pressure the Chief Judge into submission.
Political manipulation and intimidation?
Former House of Representatives member Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke dismissed the probe as a mere intimidation tactic aimed at weakening the governor’s allies.
He suggested that the real objective is to create a state of emergency, ultimately paving the way for Fubara’s removal.
Tensions escalated further after Wike, in a public statement on Wednesday, March 12, boldly declared that Fubara could be impeached and “heaven will not fall.”
His remarks came just a day after a high-level meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF), where the president urged stakeholders to ensure the governor complies with the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Ijaw groups condemn Wike’s remarks
Wike’s statements have sparked outrage among Ijaw groups, who view his comments as an attack on their ethnic identity.
The Supreme Egbesu Assembly (SEA), an ancestral religious body of the Ijaws, issued a stern warning against the governor’s impeachment.
Speaking to Saturday Vanguard, SEA leader Sergeant Werinipre Digifa accused President Tinubu of enabling Wike’s alleged excesses, warning that if Fubara is removed, the Ijaw people would respond in a manner that would "shock" the nation.
However, he clarified that their response would not be violent.
“We are monitoring the political situation closely.
“Wike’s arrogance was avoidable, and we are disappointed that President Tinubu has allowed this crisis to fester. If he does not rein in Wike, he risks straining relations between the Yoruba and Ijaw nations,” Digifa said.
INC and IYC stand firm against impeachment
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) have also condemned Wike’s actions, framing them as a calculated attempt to destabilise Fubara’s government.
INC President, Professor Benjamin Okaba, dismissed Wike’s rhetoric as a diversionary tactic to obscure the real issues.
“When the Ijaws fought for the creation of Rivers State, where were Wike’s ancestors?
“His bravado is fueled by the presidency’s silent endorsement, but he will regret his actions and become a political orphan,” Okaba asked.
Meanwhile, the IYC’s Eastern Zone has vowed to resist any attempt to remove Governor Fubara.
In a statement issued after an emergency meeting, the group warned of consequences if the impeachment plot continues, stating that Fubara must serve his full two terms like his predecessors.
Ijaw leaders dismiss Wike’s ‘minority’ remarks
Adding to the controversy, Wike reportedly described the Ijaws as the "minority of minorities" in the Niger Delta.
The INC swiftly rejected this claim, arguing that the Ijaws are, in fact, Nigeria’s fourth-largest ethnic group, with a population exceeding 40 million.
Engr. Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, INC’s National Publicity Secretary, criticised Wike’s remarks as ignorant and divisive.
“For someone who ruled Rivers State for eight years, Wike’s lack of historical awareness is disgraceful,” he said.
The INC also accused Wike of attempting to sow discord between the Ijaws and other ethnic groups in the region.
However, the group assured that it remains committed to peace and stability in the Niger Delta.
Calls for Tinubu to intervene
The growing crisis has prompted renewed calls for President Tinubu to intervene and curb Wike’s influence.
The INC urged the president to redirect Wike’s focus to his ministerial duties, emphasising that the Ijaw people will not tolerate further provocation.
Governor Fubara accuses Rivers lawmakers of blocking budget presentation
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, accused the state’s lawmakers of denying him access to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill at the Assembly, despite notifying the House leadership of his intention to do so.
Fubara made the allegation during the inauguration of the Bori Zonal Hospital in Khana Local Government Area on Wednesday, March 12.