A United Kingdom and United States–educated political scientist, Mr Kio Amachree, has formally petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanding the immediate removal and investigation of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over what he described as the “destabilisation of Rivers State and federal interference.”
In a detailed letter dated February 8, 2026, and copied to key federal officials including the Attorney-General of the Federation, National Security Adviser, Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the DSS, and leadership of the National Assembly, Amachree described the current federal posture in Rivers State as “dangerous, provocative, and unnecessary.”
He argued that Rivers State, a major oil-producing hub in the Niger Delta, is being treated like a conflict zone despite not being an insurgency theatre.
“Rivers State is not Boko Haram territory. Rivers State is not bandit territory. Yet Rivers people are being treated as though they are enemies of the state,” he wrote.
Demand for Removal and Anti-Corruption Probe
Central to the petition is a demand for the immediate removal of Wike from federal office pending investigation.
Amachree called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to launch a full-scale investigation into allegations of corruption, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and unexplained wealth.
He specifically demanded:
A comprehensive asset and lifestyle audit
Investigation into luxury vehicles, including a Rolls Royce
Scrutiny of alleged foreign properties
Examination of corporate entities allegedly linked to the minister
Amachree also referenced a widely circulated recording allegedly containing threats of violence and questioned why law enforcement agencies had not acted.
“Selective justice destroys nations,” he stated, urging the Nigerian Police Force and the DSS to clarify their position on the alleged recording.
Security Concerns in the Niger Delta
The petitioner criticised what he described as the militarisation of Rivers State, arguing that federal security deployments should prioritise terrorism and banditry in the North-East and North-West rather than political tensions in the Niger Delta.
“The Niger Delta provides Nigeria’s economic lifeblood. It is reckless to manufacture political crisis in Rivers State,” he warned.
He further called for the withdrawal or reduction of what he termed “unnecessary federal troop posture” in the state and proposed the establishment of a formal Niger Delta stability framework centred on development and respect for constitutional order.
Call for Justice Over Alleged Killing
Amachree also demanded justice in the case of his cousin, Miss Ibyami Amachree, who he alleged was killed by a soldier. He requested the identification of the officer involved, disclosure of the chain of command, and prosecution where evidence supports it.
He argued that failure to address such cases undermines public trust and fuels instability.
Personal and Historical Context
In the petition, Amachree outlined his academic and professional background, including education at Eton College and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, as well as corporate experience in the United States.
He also highlighted the legacy of his late father, Chief Godfrey Kio Jaja Amachree, QC, whom he described as Nigeria’s first indigenous Solicitor-General and a key figure in the creation of Rivers State.
Amachree maintained that his intervention was not politically motivated, stating that he does not belong to any political party and holds no political ambition.
Notice of Escalation
The petitioner warned that failure to address the issues raised could result in international escalation through lawful channels, arguing that Nigeria’s global reputation could suffer if the Rivers crisis deepens.
As of press time, there has been no official response from the Presidency or the FCT Minister to the petition.
The development adds another layer to the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, with observers noting that federal-state relations in the oil-rich region remain fragile amid shifting political alliances and power struggles.
Abuja Network News
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