Wike’s Camp Undermined Tinubu’s Accord, Betrayed President with Court Moves – HURIWA

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has accused Wike’s camp of undermining President Tinubu’s accord through strategic court manoeuvrings in Rivers State. 

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has sharply condemned Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, for alleging that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara violated a presidential peace agreement.

In a statement released on Monday, HURIWA contended that Wike, not Fubara, was responsible for undermining the agreement facilitated by President Bola Tinubu. They described Wike’s actions as a betrayal of trust and an insult to the principles of governance.

In response to Wike’s recent media comments, HURIWA issued a statement through its national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko. The organization pointed out that Wike’s accusations of betrayal by Fubara are baseless and appear to be an intentional effort to misinform the public.

The association highlighted that Governor Fubara showed good faith and loyalty to the presidential directive by withdrawing from a sensitive court case he had a strong chance of winning.

HURIWA contended that this action clearly demonstrated Fubara’s dedication to promoting peace and stability in Rivers State.

HURIWA remarked, “It is hypocritical for Wike to accuse Governor Fubara of disloyalty when he has been actively sabotaging the agreement himself. While Fubara adhered to the President’s directive by retracting a critical legal case as a gesture of reconciliation, Wike persisted with multiple lawsuits in various courts. This eventually led to a contentious ruling that recognized his factional speaker as legitimate — an ultimate betrayal of the accord and an affront to the President’s peace efforts.”

The association also claimed that Wike’s actions reveal a pattern of political maneuvering intended to undermine the Rivers State government and destabilize Governor Fubara’s administration.

HURIWA suggests that Wike’s allegiance to President Tinubu seems superficial and motivated by self-interest, rather than a true dedication to national unity or governance.

According to HURIWA, “Wike’s allegiance to the President is merely superficial. His ongoing legal conflicts with Governor Fubara’s administration reveal a strategic attempt to undermine governance in Rivers State and establish a parallel power base that serves his political ambitions.”

HURIWA rejected Wike’s call for reconciliation, deeming it unnecessary. They argued that Governor Fubara doesn’t need to reconcile with anyone whose actions might jeopardize the state’s resources and governance.

The association emphasized that the Rivers State treasury should not be treated as a public fund to be allegedly exploited under the guise of political compromise.

“The statement emphasized that Governor Fubara does not require reconciliation with Wike, which would likely burden the public finances. The residents of Rivers State deserve a government dedicated to development and stability rather than being caught in incessant political machinations driven by individuals aiming to safeguard their personal agendas.”

The association also criticized the ongoing situation in the Rivers State House of Assembly, where conflicts have resulted in a parallel assembly being formed. HURIWA attributed the defection of 27 lawmakers to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and subsequent power struggles to Wike’s allegedly divisive political approach.

HURIWA claimed that the political turmoil in Rivers State is indicative of Wike’s fixation on exerting control over the state beyond his governor tenure. They suggested that lawmakers defecting and a factional speaker emerging are deliberate strategies aimed at undermining Governor Fubara’s administration to retain an undue influence over the state’s politics.

HURIWA urged President Tinubu to firmly oppose any actions that threaten peace agreements and destabilize governance at the state level. They called on him to hold all parties accountable, ensuring political actors adhere to the rule of law and uphold democratic processes.

“The President’s involvement was a positive move, yet it needs to be supported by decisive measures to hold accountable those who violate the agreement,” HURIWA remarked. “Rivers State is entitled to peace, stability, and progress—outcomes attainable only when the rule of law prevails and political figures put public interest ahead of personal ambitions.”

HURIWA wrapped up by conveying trust in Governor Fubara’s leadership and dedication to the residents of Rivers State. The association urged the governor to stay resolute in his pursuit of effective governance, despite the obstacles presented by Wike’s political maneuvers.

HURIWA expressed that the citizens of Rivers State chose Governor Fubara to guide them, not to be involved in ongoing conflicts with his predecessor. They encouraged the governor to remain dedicated to his responsibilities and persist in promoting progress and prosperity for Rivers State.