Politics
Wike using his influence to undermine democracy in Rivers – CHRICED
The Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) has condemned the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, describing the ongoing political drama orchestrated by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as a “shameful circus.”
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, on Wednesday, CHRICED accused Wike of manipulating state institutions and using his influence in the Presidency to undermine democratic governance in Rivers State.
“At the center of this turmoil is Nyesom Wike, whose disruptive actions continue to destabilize Rivers State,” CHRICED stated.
“Despite holding no constitutional role in the state’s administration, Wike has positioned himself as an unelected overlord, orchestrating political drama and exploiting his relationship with the Presidency to undermine democratic institutions.”
A key issue raised by CHRICED is the recent trip of suspended Rivers State lawmakers to the United Kingdom for a supposed “capacity building” program.
The organization questioned the legality and funding of the trip, insisting that it was nothing more than a diversionary tactic to distract from the democratic crisis at home.
“This UK trip is nothing more than a diversionary spectacle, a shameful circus at the expense of the suffering people of Rivers State,” the statement read.
“While the state faces democratic decay, these suspended lawmakers and their enabler indulge in luxury abroad, disconnected from the crisis they have helped create.”
The human rights group also criticized the Nigerian Police for violently suppressing peaceful protests by Rivers residents who have been demanding accountability.
“The deployment of tear gas to suppress citizens peacefully demanding justice is a grave violation of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and assembly,” CHRICED added.
“Such repression is unacceptable in a democracy and must be unequivocally condemned.”
CHRICED further denounced the role of the Rivers State military administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), accusing him of unconstitutional actions, including appointing 23 local government administrators and setting up the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
“As an unelected occupant of the Rivers State Government House, Ibas has no authority to make such appointments. His actions represent a direct affront to the will of the people,” the organization added.
Calling for urgent federal intervention, CHRICED warned that the silence of the Federal Government was enabling a dangerous precedent where certain individuals act above the law.
“Rivers State is not at war, but it is bleeding, wounded by political excess, greed, and unconstitutional interference,” the statement read.
“The people of Rivers deserve peace, justice, and leadership that reflects their will, not one imposed through backdoor manipulations and foreign retreats.”
CHRICED concluded by demanding the immediate restoration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s democratically elected government and the dismissal of Wike as FCT Minister.
“Nyesom Wike and Ibok-Ete Ibas are liabilities to democratic governance and national stability. Let Rivers breathe! Let democracy prevail!,” the statement concluded.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) is presently meeting in Abuja.
In his opening address, the BoT Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, reaffirmed the commitment of the body to restoring confidence within the party and organizing congresses in states where they have not yet been held.
Senator Ohuabunwa told members that the national leadership is ready to work collaboratively with all state chapters to bring fresh leadership and stability across the country.
He outlined the PDP’s roadmap: conduct overdue state congresses, consolidate ongoing achievements, and support the national leadership to steer the party back on course.
According to him, these steps are critical to ensuring unity, transparency, and strengthening grassroots engagement.
By holding timely congresses and reinforcing organizational discipline, PDP hopes to rebuild trust among members and present a more organized, credible front ahead of future elections.
Benin’s President Patrice Talon is safe, and security forces are restoring order after a faction of soldiers claimed to have removed him from power, the presidency announced on Sunday.
In a brief statement, the presidency dismissed the soldiers’ declaration as the actions of a fringe group with limited influence.
“This is a small group of individuals who only managed to seize the television station. The regular army is steadily regaining control. Both the city and the entire country remain completely secure,” the statement said.
The clarification follows an earlier broadcast by soldiers identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation,” who declared that Talon had been removed from office.
The government has since described the broadcast as an isolated disruption, assuring citizens that the situation is under control.
The leadership of Orluzurumee, the apex socio-cultural body of Orlu Zone, has announced a new date for its much-anticipated Expanded Leadership and Stakeholders Meeting.
In a statement by the group’s Publicity Secretary, Nnamdi Cos-Ukwuoma, the organization said the meeting, earlier scheduled was shifted due to fresh logistical arrangements aimed at ensuring wider participation and seamless coordination.
According to the statement, the meeting will now take place on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Mayor Eze Hall, Orlu Local Government Headquarters, by 11:00 a.m.
Orluzurumee, under the leadership of its President General, Rt. Hon. Ugochukwu Nzekwe, expressed regret over any inconvenience the postponement may have caused invited stakeholders, stressing that the adjustment was necessary to guarantee a more inclusive and productive engagement.
According to the statement, the meeting is being convened in collaboration with the Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Dr. Emmanuel Okeke, and is expected to bring together traditional institutions, political leaders, community heads and other key actors from across Orlu Zone.
The organization described the gathering as a critical platform for fostering unity, peace and development across the zone, while reaffirming its commitment to the vision of “One Voice, One Destiny, One Orlu.”
Stakeholders and residents of the zone were urged to attend and participate actively in shaping the future direction of Orlu.
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