TheNigeriaLawyer Editorial

The role of former Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, in the ongoing tussle between the Rivers State House of Assembly and Governor Siminalayi Fubara reached a climax when the President declared a state of emergency and appointed an unconstitutional sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, on March 19, 2025.

However, Mr. Wike has consistently displayed conduct worthy of scrutiny and deeper reflection—especially considering his status as a decorated legal practitioner and a Life Bencher.

It is on record that Mr. Wike, a Life Bencher, has been going around celebrating what many consider a pyrrhic victory, citing the Supreme Court’s disobedience to constitutional principles, which supposedly informed the President’s decision that led to the emergency declaration suspending the elected governor and his deputies, along with all state assemblies. Hence, the lingering question remains: in light of the declaration’s alleged unconstitutionality, should Mr. Wike be celebrating such an action, or rather urging the President to reconsider his stance? The declaration, after all, undermines the fundamental principles of democracy.

The FCT Minister has consistently dismissed lawyer critics by labeling them ‘Channels TV lawyers’ simply for holding differing opinions. A pressing question emerges: whose resources is he using to fund these numerous press conferences? Critics argue that even if these events are financed with FCT funds, he rarely provides substantive updates on the territory. Instead, the briefings often devolve into politically charged media attacks, where he makes provocative comments—so much so that the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has yet to caution him. Ironically, while he mocks others as social media or television lawyers, he remains the most frequent participant in media engagements, thereby reinforcing the very behavior he criticizes.

Among the many targets of Mr. Wike’s verbal attacks is the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). He has alleged that Governor Fubara—his political adversary and, arguably, a victim of Wike’s power play—sponsored the NBA’s Annual General Conference, which, according to Wike, explains the NBA’s strong opposition to the state of emergency. But even if Fubara did support the NBA financially, does that amount to purchasing its loyalty? The FCT Minister should be reminded of an elementary legal principle: the NBA is a collective institution representing the voices of Nigerian lawyers—not the interests of a single individual. Neither Fubara nor Wike can buy or control the NBA’s stance. 

And for the record, no—we do not hold brief for the NBA. The NBA has its own fair share of issues, and we have never hesitated to call them out when necessary. But on this matter, truth must be told.

Interestingly, it is on record that Mr. Wike, while serving as Governor, also funded the construction of the NBA national secretariat using state funds. Yet, he was not accused of attempting to buy the NBA through that gesture. His current allegations, therefore, reveal a pattern of intolerance toward democratic values and freedom of expression—rights the NBA, as a body, is entitled to exercise.

In conclusion, it is wise for individuals to align themselves with actions and national events that history will view favorably. The path Mr. Wike is treading suggests otherwise. Those supporting the state of emergency suspending the elected governor and his deputies, along with all state assemblies, and the President’s actions in Rivers State, appear driven by self-interest rather than a genuine commitment to democracy. True democracy is grounded in constitutionalism, and any deviation from the express provisions of the Constitution is inherently anti-democratic—history will not be kind to those who aid or endorse such deviations.

Also, the appointment of Wike-aligned figures to key positions under the sole administrator, including the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, has fueled suspicions that the emergency rule is a pretext for consolidating Wike’s influence ahead of the 2027 elections. Local reports indicate that 11 of the 15 new appointees to institutional boards are Wike loyalists, raising concerns about political engineering. Such moves have led commentators to describe the situation as a “coup in civilian clothing,” with the state of emergency serving as a tool to subvert democratic institutions.

However, Mr. Wike himself admitted in a recent interview that he did not support the state of emergency as a politician, even while stating that President Tinubu “saved” Fubara from removal from office.

Mr. Wike, you cannot wear the robe of a Life Bencher yet act like a reckless politician. Young lawyers are watching. Your wife is a respected Justice. You must embody the values we hope to see in the future of our profession. All due critics said that he became a Life Bencher through patronage.

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