Politics
Wike using his influence to undermine democracy in Rivers – CHRICED
The Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) has condemned the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, describing the ongoing political drama orchestrated by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as a “shameful circus.”
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, on Wednesday, CHRICED accused Wike of manipulating state institutions and using his influence in the Presidency to undermine democratic governance in Rivers State.
“At the center of this turmoil is Nyesom Wike, whose disruptive actions continue to destabilize Rivers State,” CHRICED stated.
“Despite holding no constitutional role in the state’s administration, Wike has positioned himself as an unelected overlord, orchestrating political drama and exploiting his relationship with the Presidency to undermine democratic institutions.”
A key issue raised by CHRICED is the recent trip of suspended Rivers State lawmakers to the United Kingdom for a supposed “capacity building” program.
The organization questioned the legality and funding of the trip, insisting that it was nothing more than a diversionary tactic to distract from the democratic crisis at home.
“This UK trip is nothing more than a diversionary spectacle, a shameful circus at the expense of the suffering people of Rivers State,” the statement read.
“While the state faces democratic decay, these suspended lawmakers and their enabler indulge in luxury abroad, disconnected from the crisis they have helped create.”
The human rights group also criticized the Nigerian Police for violently suppressing peaceful protests by Rivers residents who have been demanding accountability.
“The deployment of tear gas to suppress citizens peacefully demanding justice is a grave violation of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and assembly,” CHRICED added.
“Such repression is unacceptable in a democracy and must be unequivocally condemned.”
CHRICED further denounced the role of the Rivers State military administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), accusing him of unconstitutional actions, including appointing 23 local government administrators and setting up the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
“As an unelected occupant of the Rivers State Government House, Ibas has no authority to make such appointments. His actions represent a direct affront to the will of the people,” the organization added.
Calling for urgent federal intervention, CHRICED warned that the silence of the Federal Government was enabling a dangerous precedent where certain individuals act above the law.
“Rivers State is not at war, but it is bleeding, wounded by political excess, greed, and unconstitutional interference,” the statement read.
“The people of Rivers deserve peace, justice, and leadership that reflects their will, not one imposed through backdoor manipulations and foreign retreats.”
CHRICED concluded by demanding the immediate restoration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s democratically elected government and the dismissal of Wike as FCT Minister.
“Nyesom Wike and Ibok-Ete Ibas are liabilities to democratic governance and national stability. Let Rivers breathe! Let democracy prevail!,” the statement concluded.
Politics
Breaking: Diri Orders Autopsy on Bayelsa Deputy Governor’s Death, Warns Against Politicisation
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death of the state’s Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Governor Diri gave the directive on Saturday while receiving former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Government House in Yenagoa.
Reacting to the incident, the governor condemned what he described as widespread misinformation and speculation on social media, warning against any attempt to politicise the deputy governor’s death.
“I want to make an appeal. I have seen people politicise his death. In Ijaw land, there is no enmity in death. Let nobody politicise the passing of our dearly beloved deputy governor,” Diri said.
“If anyone truly loves him, this is the time to show it. I have directed that an autopsy be carried out to reveal the cause of his death. There is a lot of nonsense going on on social media.”
The governor further urged the public to focus on mourning and honouring the late deputy governor, noting that the state government had declared three working days of mourning in his honour.
“If anyone is issuing statements to eulogise him, let it end there. Let us mourn him because Bayelsa State is in a mourning mood,” he added.
Governor Diri also called for unity and love among the people, reminding them of the inevitability of death.
Speaking during the condolence visit, former President Goodluck Jonathan described the late Ewhrudjakpo as a committed and dedicated individual who played a key role in the activities of his foundation.
“For me, he was someone my foundation and I will never forget. He represented the governor in all our programs,” Jonathan said, adding that Ewhrudjakpo worked tirelessly in that role, even more than when he served as deputy governor.
The founder of Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, has said he will never take part in partisan politics, not for even billions of naira.
He stated that no amount of money, including “$1 billion,” (1.4 Trillion naira) would make him join politics.
Oyedepo made this known during an impartation service at Shiloh 2025 held at the church’s headquarters in Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State.
He explained that partisan politics is not part of his life’s calling and that is why he has chosen to stay away from it.
In his words: “In 2015, I warned the church that trouble was coming. Didn’t trouble come?
“Partisan politics is off my calling. If you give me $1 billion to join politics, I won’t, because it is off my course.”
The bishop also said the world is in urgent need of God’s intervention because of the times we are living in.
According to him, believers are being trained as an end-time army to bring solutions to national and global problems, similar to what biblical figures like Joseph and Daniel did.
President Bola Tinubu congratulates Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on his birthday, December 13.
President Tinubu celebrates with the Minister and former governor of Rivers State, giving thanks to God Almighty for enriching him with a life defined by purpose, service, and courage.
The President describes Chief Wike as an audacious top performer who defies obstacles and delivers results.
President Tinubu acknowledges the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory through infrastructure expansion, highlighting the Minister’s recent intervention that broke the 14-year logjam in the construction of the Apo-Karshi road.
The President commends Chief Wike for his resilience, can-do attitude, and commitment to excellence in all assignments.
President Tinubu thanks the Minister for his consistent efforts in delivering results and wishes him a happy birthday and strength to further his good work in the FCT.
“Nyesom Wike has been one of the shining stars in the cabinet, an exceptional performer, developing infrastructure in the Federal capital as never seen before and proving that his moniker as ‘Mr Project’ is not limited to his home state of Rivers.
“I commend him for being one of the champions of our Renewed Hope Agenda, even though he belongs to another party and wish him well as he marks another year in his life journey”.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
December 13, 2025
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