The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) USA has demanded that President Bola Tinubu dismiss Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike to resolve Rivers State’s ongoing political crisis. The group also called for a six-month state of emergency in insurgency-hit Northern regions to secure the path for credible 2027 elections.
Speaking in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, NADECO USA President and CEO Dr. Lloyd Ukwu blamed Wike for fueling the Rivers turmoil. He argued that Wike’s removal would signal Tinubu’s rejection of the minister’s meddling in state politics.
“The main problem in Rivers State today, as far as this crisis is concerned, is the Minister of the FCT,” Ukwu stated. “Rivers people know where the problem lies. The President must call him to order. Wike is his employee.”
Ukwu highlighted the escalating impeachment process in Rivers during Tinubu’s overseas trip, warning, “If Rivers State crumbles, we will hold the President responsible if he fails to act.”
On security, Ukwu decried Northern banditry and insurgency as existential threats to democracy. “How and where would people vote if insurgents control their communities?” he asked. “We are discussing the 2027 elections when we have failed to secure lives and property.”
He proposed a state of emergency in affected Northern states—or all 19 if needed—to enable coordinated federal operations. Ukwu also suggested temporary U.S. aid in intelligence, special ops, and training, kept under Nigerian command.
“Nigeria needs help. If insecurity persists and large populations are disenfranchised, then the 2027 elections should not hold,” he said, calling the nation “in a coma” amid unchecked violence.
NADECO warned that ignoring the Rivers crisis and Northern threats could doom Nigeria’s democracy.
