Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has denied supporting any move by President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Speaking during a media chat with journalists in Abuja on Monday, June 2, Wike—who previously served as governor of Rivers State—distanced himself from the controversial measure.
“I am not the President who declared a state of emergency. If Mr. President had consulted me, I would not have supported it. I’ve never backed that decision,” Wike said.
Addressing speculation about a personal feud with his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Wike insisted there was no direct conflict between them.
“I have no problem with the governor. But unfortunately, he allowed himself to be used as a tool by those who couldn’t confront me directly,” Wike stated.
He went on to claim that the emergency rule was intended as a protective move for the governor, who was facing potential impeachment at the time.
“The declaration was made to protect the governor—he was on the verge of being impeached,” Wike explained.
When asked about when the emergency rule might be lifted, Wike said that decision rests solely with President Tinubu.
“He [Tinubu] knows when to lift it. Everything is on his table. I don’t have that information,” he concluded.