By Daramola Aanuoluwapo
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has come under heavy criticism from Nigerians on social media following his recent comments on the Supreme Court’s judgment regarding the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Recall that on February 28, Mr. Wike took to X (formerly Twitter) to commend the Supreme Court for upholding the role of the legislature in a democracy.
He stated that the ruling clarified that a government cannot function without a legislature, stressing that it was unreasonable for three people to constitute an assembly and make laws for an entire state.
“The Supreme Court has made it clear that you cannot have a democracy without a legislature.
“It is unheard of where anybody will say three people will constitute an assembly to make laws for the entire state.
“What is important is that can three people make laws for a state, not to even talk of appropriation,” Wike wrote.
However, Truth Live News, while going through the comments on X, can confirm that Wike’s remarks have sparked outrage among Nigerians, with many accusing him of hypocrisy and political manipulation.
One user, Church Nwagwu (https://x.com/ChurchillNwagwu/status/1895581699054190703?t=nmuGsy3fwb7uq2muqyTobA&s=19) responded, “Yes! The same Supreme Court said you cannot form a government without winning in a free and transparent electoral process. Gov Wike, swear that you’re a democrat and you practice democracy. You used thuggery to rig the 2023 elections for APC and you should be ashamed.”
Another user, Chris Ani (https://x.com/iamchrisani/status/1895632352707297518?t=MXbUWueObNy8A7kPJfPEng&s=19), lashed out, stating, “Just like you helped rig APC in Rivers. What did the useless Supreme Court say?”
Seyi ‘Barrack Boy’ (@GovWike) wrote, “Fubara will rule Rivers for eight years. Supreme Court or not.”
A user identified as UAU (https://x.com/docaustyne/status/1895747688580395068?t=7-VTC7kPlzMgUlrgbS-NDg&s=19) accused Wike of creating political tension for personal interests, saying, “Wike is creating a constitutional war because of personal interest. The same court ruled that if you defect, you lose your seat. Hold a new election to re-elect the house members, or that is a crime! Nigeria will get better when men like you step away from politics.”
Dr. Charles Odogwu (@GovWike) added, “If they voluntarily vacate their seat, then the remaining three can serve until a by-election is conducted.”
The criticisms intensified, with Steve Tams (https://x.com/TamunoSteve/status/1895690986879402319?t=VoncIC2FR0gkUEQdGlLSuw&s=19) bluntly stating, “Oga keep quiet, you are just a useless person.”
Sam Jay (@GovWike) reminded Wike of his past political actions, writing, “I’m sure when you were using only six members, it was democracy in action, abi? Bia Wike, behave and let Rivers people be.”
Mr. Arinze (@GovWike) also condemned Wike, calling him a “shameless man,” and added, “You can deceive your kids and thugs, not Nigerians, who are more educated and exposed. It surely has an expiry date.”
The backlash against Wike gives premium credence to the growing dissatisfaction among Nigerians regarding political maneuvering in Rivers State, with many calling for greater accountability and democratic integrity.