Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, has accused Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State of withholding the salaries and allowances of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for a period of one year.
He further stated why he has refused to forgive the governor while emphasizing that forgiveness is not tantamount to condoning wrongdoing, and that accountability must be upheld. He commended the lawmakers for their resilience and independence, noting that their refusal to beg for their rightful entitlements is a testament to their integrity. He encouraged other states to emulate the exemplary conduct of the Rivers State lawmakers, who have demonstrated that they are not susceptible to coercion or manipulation.
He said in a live coverage by TVC from 3:50, ‘People come out to say why not forgive, and I said, “Forgive what?” I have no problem forgiving him [Fubara] because, after all, we’re all human. But they want me to pretend as if nothing has gone wrong; I would never pretend. We are not a pushover state; we’re not like other states.
You [27 lawmakers] have shown capacity, and you have shown that you are an independent legislature. You have shown that money cannot move you. Other states should emulate you. He seized their salaries and allowances for one year, and they said they would come and beg. But are they begging today? No. And will they beg tomorrow? Certainly not. You have told them that to hell with their money. We’ll stand firm and do what is right as a people.”