A political strategist, Baba Yusuf, has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of orchestrating moves to remove Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, through impeachment in order to install a loyalist as governor.
Yusuf made the allegation on Friday during an interview on Prime Time, a programme aired on Arise Television and monitored by DAILY POST.
According to him, Wike has remained defiant despite several interventions by President Bola Tinubu, including efforts that initially favoured the former Rivers State governor.
“Wike has taken this recalcitrant position despite several interventions by Mr President, even those that were in his favour,” Yusuf said.
He added that the political crisis in Rivers State had escalated to a point where President Tinubu was compelled to take what he described as “tough decisions,” including the suspension of democratic institutions in the state for six months.
“This is clearly a fight to the finish. If you observe the entire game plan, some of the actors shifted ground a few days ago, only to make a sudden U-turn today,” Yusuf stated.
Citing the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Yusuf explained that Section 191 provides that the Speaker of the State House of Assembly assumes office as acting governor if both the governor and deputy governor are impeached.
“Wike wants to upend Fubara and install his stooge through impeachment. If that happens, Martin Amaewhule, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, will automatically become acting governor, as provided by the constitution,” he said.
The allegation comes amid heightened political tension in Rivers State, following ongoing impeachment moves against Governor Fubara by members of the State House of Assembly.
