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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has weighed in on the controversy trailing the Rivers State by-elections, warning against attacks on the judiciary and urging political actors to seek redress through the courts.
Speaking during a media parley on Monday, September 1, 2025, Wike criticised those who assume the role of judges in political disputes. “And why should it be that each time, it’s only in this part of the world, you are not a lawyer and by any act that has happened, you become a lawyer. You are not a judge who is given the responsibility for interpretation of the court’s decision or laws,” he said.
The FCT minister stressed that due process must be followed. “You make yourself a judge. And you’re not taking steps to challenges. I thought, as people who are civilised, who want the rule of law, who want law to grow, I would tell our party, my party, challenge this in court. This is not going to be allowed,” he added.
Recalling past disputes with the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Wike said his party went to court when the body attempted to conduct elections without adhering to constitutional provisions. “They have not followed the provisions of the Constitution; therefore, they cannot conduct this election. The court gave judgment and said, yes, you are right,” he explained.
He condemned media attacks on judges following controversial rulings. “It was in the media houses where they are showing that this judge is corrupt. He took money, he did this, he did that. I will not agree. The world must hear the truth. And that’s what we owe the public,” Wike declared.
He cited the case of Justice Lifu of the Federal High Court, whose ruling drew widespread criticism. “When Justice Lifu of the Federal High Court gave that judgment, it was all over everywhere that he took bribes. He did this and that. They were scrolling him in the bar. AIT was scrolling him. ARISE was scrolling him,” Wike said.
According to him, the appellate process showed that the judiciary was functioning as it should. “He went to a court of appeals. Court of appeals set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court. You also came out and said, oh, now the law has taken place. The people want to appeal to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court said, no. The Federal High Court was right. The Court of Appeals, you are wrong,” he explained.
Wike dismissed ongoing debates over the interpretation of the rulings and the powers of RSIEC appointments. “See, it was based on that judgment, all of you now are interpreting the number of days that ought to be given by RSIEC. And they said, look, who appointed that the administration has no right to appoint RSIEC? We said, rubbish,” he said.
