Wike Warns Against Disrupting Oil Production Over Rivers Political Crisis

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has warned sharply against plans to shut down Nigeria's oil production at this time of political crisis in Rivers State. Speaking at an interactive session with the press in Abuja, Wike observed that plans to shut down the country's oil production would have catastrophic consequences.

Speaking on the case of the alleged threat of impeachment against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Wike stated, "Who threatened the impeachment of the Governor? I do not know. If Fubara has done any wrong or impeachable act, nothing prevents him from being impeached." He also criticized those threatening violence and shutdown of oil production in protest of political disagreements, stating, "As a sitting president, you cannot threaten to close down oil production because of an impeachment scare… Enough is enough!

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Wike also spoke about the ethnic dynamics of the Niger Delta, asserting that while the Ijaws are a minority in all the states, they are well represented in Bayelsa. He emphasized oneness in Rivers State, stating, "We are one big family, and the Ijaw also deserve the governorship."

Wike reflected on the process of Fubara becoming his successor, recounting how Chairman of the Rivers State Elders Forum, Ferdinand Alabrabra, had wept before Fubara was chosen. Nevertheless, he asserted that Alabrabra later publicly insulted Fubara and other elders. Wike reiterated that peace in the state would be achieved through due process, inviting Fubara to submit his budget and list of commissioners to the State Assembly to end the current problems.

Whereas President Bola Tinubu has urged Rivers State stakeholders to respect the Supreme Court ruling that annulled the previous local government elections and recognized Martin Amaewhule and his faction as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. During a meeting with Niger Delta leaders, including the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Tinubu was sure about the judiciary, citing the necessity to preserve the rule of law.

Tinubu, in his contemplation of the crisis, reported that he had anticipated the occurrence and tried to act before things went out of hand. "We have to take care of the goose that lays the golden egg," he declared, pointing to the need to keep Nigeria's oil resources safe by sustaining peace and stability in the Niger Delta. In PANDEF's name, King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom, praised Tinubu's leadership. He assured the president of PANDEF's support, having faith in the government's capacity to end the crisis.