Rivers Crisis: Wike Faces Petition Over Threats and Corruption, Calls for Sacking
A fresh petition has been submitted to President Bola Tinubu demanding the removal of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over allegations linked to the political crisis in Rivers State.
The petition accuses the minister of actions capable of worsening tension in the state and calls for an immediate investigation into his conduct in public office.
The petition was written by Nigerian political scientist, Kio Amachree, and dated February 8, 2026. He addressed it to the President as “President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Amachree described the situation in Rivers State as “dangerous, provocative, and unnecessary,” warning that federal involvement in the crisis could push the state toward instability.
Amachree said his action was personal and not influenced by politics. He stated: “I do not belong to any political party. I have no political ambition. I have no ties to any Nigerian politician. I am not writing on behalf of any political group.”
He added that his concern was based on peace, constitutional order, and justice in Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta.
The political scientist strongly criticised the heavy security presence in the state. According to him, “Rivers State is not Boko Haram territory. Rivers State is not bandit territory. Rivers State is not an insurgency theatre.”
He said treating residents “as though they are enemies of the state” was unacceptable and could deepen anger among the people.
In the petition, Amachree singled out Wike as the central figure behind the crisis. He declared: “Mr Nyesom Wike must be removed from federal office immediately and investigated. This is a formal demand.” He asked for a full probe by the EFCC and ICPC into allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and unexplained wealth.
He also demanded an asset and lifestyle audit, including scrutiny of “his Rolls Royce and other luxury vehicles” and “his properties abroad.”
The petitioner also raised security concerns over a recording circulating online. He said the audio allegedly showed Wike “threatening to kill a political opponent.” He questioned why no arrest or investigation had followed, warning that “selective justice destroys nations.”
In his final message to the President, Amachree warned that ignoring the petition could have wider consequences.
