HURIWA blasts Wike over alleged sabotage of presidential peace accord

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has sharply criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accusing him of sabotaging a presidential peace accord aimed at resolving political tensions in Rivers State.

The group alleged that Wike, rather than Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, breached the agreement brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the minister’s actions as a betrayal of trust and good governance.

In a statement released on Monday, HURIWA lambasted Wike for making unfounded accusations against Governor Fubara and attempting to mislead the public.

According to the association, Governor Fubara demonstrated loyalty to the peace accord by withdrawing a significant court case, showcasing his commitment to stability and reconciliation in the state.

“Governor Fubara complied fully with the President’s directive by withdrawing a crucial legal matter he was poised to win, in the spirit of reconciliation,” HURIWA said.

“In contrast, Wike has continued to pursue divisive legal actions, including securing a judgment to validate his factional Speaker. This is a blatant violation of the accord and a direct affront to the President’s efforts to mediate peace.”

HURIWA accused Wike of undermining Governor Fubara’s administration through calculated political strategies aimed at destabilizing governance in Rivers State.

The association claimed that Wike’s loyalty to President Tinubu was superficial and driven by personal interests.

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“Wike’s actions reveal an obsession with controlling Rivers State even after his tenure as governor,” the statement read. “His legal battles and political maneuvers are designed to create a parallel power structure that serves his ambitions while disrupting governance under Governor Fubara.”

The group also condemned the factionalism in the Rivers State House of Assembly, which has resulted in the emergence of a parallel legislative body.

HURIWA attributed this crisis to Wike’s divisive politics, citing the defection of 27 lawmakers to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as evidence of his destabilizing influence.

“The current crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly is a direct consequence of Wike’s divisive politics,” HURIWA asserted. “This political scheming undermines governance and the democratic process in the state.”

HURIWA urged President Tinubu to take decisive action against those undermining the peace accord and destabilizing state governance. The association emphasized the need to hold all parties accountable and to uphold the principles of the rule of law.

“President Tinubu’s intervention in the Rivers State crisis was commendable, but it must be followed by firm action to prevent further breaches of the accord,” HURIWA stated. “Rivers State deserves peace, stability, and progress, and this can only be achieved through adherence to the rule of law.”

HURIWA expressed confidence in Governor Fubara’s leadership and urged him to remain focused on delivering good governance despite the challenges posed by Wike’s actions.

“Governor Fubara was elected to serve the people of Rivers State, not to engage in endless political battles with his predecessor,” the group noted. “We encourage the governor to stay committed to his mandate and work tirelessly for the progress and prosperity of the state.”

The association reaffirmed its support for Governor Fubara and called on all stakeholders to prioritize the interests of the people over personal ambitions. HURIWA emphasized that the resources of Rivers State must be used for development and not as tools for political compromise.

“The people of Rivers State deserve a government focused on stability and development, free from the distractions of political scheming,” HURIWA concluded.