Wike betrayed Tinubu’s Rivers accord while Fubara respected it – HURIWA  

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for accusing Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of betraying a presidential peace accord.

In a statement issued on Monday, January 20, 2025, and signed by its national coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA argued that it was Wike, not Fubara, who sabotaged the accord brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing Wike’s actions as a breach of trust and an affront to the principles of governance.

Reacting to Wike’s recent media statements, HURIWA noted that Wike’s claims of Fubara’s alleged betrayal are unfounded and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.

The association highlighted that Governor Fubara demonstrated good faith and loyalty to the presidential directive by withdrawing a sensitive court case he was well-positioned to win. This move, HURIWA stated, was a clear indication of Fubara’s commitment to fostering peace and stability in Rivers State.

“It is hypocritical for Wike to accuse Governor Fubara of disloyalty when the minister himself has actively sabotaged the accord,” HURIWA stated. “While Fubara complied with the President’s directive and withdrew a critical legal matter in a gesture of reconciliation, Wike continued to pursue multiple suits in various courts, culminating in a controversial judgment declaring his factional speaker as legitimate. This is the ultimate betrayal of the accord and an insult to the President’s efforts to mediate peace.”

HURIWA alleged that Wike’s actions expose a pattern of political manoeuvring aimed at undermining the Rivers State government and destabilising the administration of Governor Fubara. According to the group, Wike’s loyalty to President Tinubu appears to be superficial and driven by personal interests rather than a genuine commitment to national unity or governance.

“Wike’s loyalty to the President is nothing more than window dressing. His continued legal battles against Governor Fubara’s administration show a calculated effort to disrupt governance in Rivers State and create a parallel power structure that benefits his political interests,” HURIWA added.

HURIWA dismissed Wike’s call for reconciliation as unnecessary, asserting that Governor Fubara does not need reconciliation with someone whose actions would likely undermine the state’s resources and governance. The association emphasised that the Rivers State treasury is not a public purse to be plundered in the name of political compromise.

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“Governor Fubara does not need Wike’s reconciliation, which would undoubtedly come at the cost of the public purse,” the statement read. “The people of Rivers State deserve a government focused on delivering development and stability, not one entangled in endless political schemes orchestrated by individuals seeking to protect their personal interests.”

The association also condemned the situation in the Rivers State House of Assembly, where factionalism has led to the creation of a parallel assembly. HURIWA described the defection of 27 lawmakers to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ensuing power struggles as a direct consequence of Wike’s alleged divisive politics.

“The political crisis in Rivers State is a reflection of Wike’s obsession with controlling the state even after his tenure as governor,” HURIWA asserted. “The defection of lawmakers and the emergence of a factional speaker are part of a calculated plan to weaken Governor Fubara’s administration and maintain an undue grip on the state’s political landscape.”

HURIWA called on President Tinubu to take a decisive stand against actions that undermine peace accords and destabilise governance at the state level. The association urged the President to hold all parties accountable and ensure that political actors respect the rule of law and the democratic process.

“The President’s intervention was a step in the right direction, but it must be followed by firm action to hold accountable those who betray the accord,” HURIWA stated. “Rivers State deserves peace, stability, and development, and this can only be achieved when the rule of law prevails, and political actors prioritise the interests of the people over their ambitions.”

HURIWA concluded by expressing confidence in Governor Fubara’s leadership and commitment to the people of Rivers State. The association called on the Governor to remain steadfast in his efforts to deliver good governance, despite the challenges posed by Wike’s political machinations.

“The people of Rivers State elected Governor Fubara to lead them, not to engage in endless battles with his predecessor. We urge the Governor to stay focused on his mandate and continue to work for the progress and prosperity of Rivers State,” HURIWA stated.