Former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara for calling the Federal High Court judgment fraudulent.
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Wike made this statement during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday.
Wike took strong exception to Fubara labeling the court’s judgment as “fraudulent,” arguing that such comments were an invitation to anarchy. “The moment you don’t obey court judgment, you are inviting anarchy, you are inviting violence,” the former governor warned.
When asked about the conflicting court orders related to the local government elections in the state, he called the situation a “game” and said it was not about conflicting court orders. He emphasized the importance of having a good lawyer to secure favorable judgments. If you don’t have one, you blame the judges. Wike mentioned that the case started in July 2024 by the APC in the state and that led by Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) Joseph Daudu, represented the APC while Femi Falana, SAN, represented the Rivers State government, He claimed the state high court had no jurisdiction since the case involved federal agencies like INEC and the police. “Nobody can give an order to people who are not party to the suit,” Wike said.
When asked as a Life Bencher, why court would stoped an institution from performing its constitutional mandate. He said, “Go and read the judgment. It is because they are doing illegality.” That’s why the court is stopping the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the police from performing their constitutional duties. Wike expressed his disbelief regarding the Rivers State High Court judgment, stating that when they knew the Federal Court would give judgment, they went and sued themselves, calling it a game.
He also said, “If you have a good lawyer, you will get a good judgment, you don’t have to blame the judge.” Wike stated that INEC is a federal agency and the police is a federal agency, which is why they filed the suit in a Federal High Court, resulting in the police and INEC being stopped from performing their duties. “It’s a game,” he added.
The ex-governor further alleged that Fubara’s administration has filed a barrage of lawsuits in an attempt to sway the courts and secure favorable rulings. “In Rivers State High Court, let me show you, over 30 cases by the surrogates of the governor,” Wike claimed. “Out of all of them, they have ex parte, ex parte one, ex parte two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten ex parte orders, every day.”
Wike, however, insisted that he never resorted to public attacks on judges, even when rulings didn’t go his way. “We have never one day gone on television to say this judge or justice is corrupt,” he noted. “All we do is go on appeal.”
The former governor called on the judiciary to resist any form of pressure or undue influence. “I’ve never in my wildest dream thought that as a head of court, as the leader of the judiciary, I will accept what is going on today – the blackmail against judges and justices,” Wike said.
He argued that anyone with complaints against a judge should follow proper channels rather than engaging in media attacks. “If you think any judge has done anything wrong, file a petition to the NJC (National Judicial Council),” Wike advised.
The ex-governor maintained that peace in Rivers State can only be achieved through unwavering adherence to the rule of law. “When you obey rule of law, that is peace,” he insisted. “Obey court judgment. Allow the rule of law to prevail.”
Wike also mentioned that Rivers State called for the removal of the Rivers State Electoral Commissioner for complying with the court’s judgment. He expressed disappointment in individuals claiming to promote democracy while simultaneously disregarding the rule of law.
The former governor maintained that INEC, as the custodian of the voter register, must provide the register for conducting any election in Nigeria, including local government elections. He stressed the importance of following the legal process, including providing proper notice and adhering to established timelines.
Wike dismissed claims that the Federal High Court should not have entertained the matter, arguing that federal agencies like INEC and the police can only be sued in a Federal High Court, not a State High Court. He accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of being behind the legal challenges and denied any personal involvement in the court cases.
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