Human Rights Lawyer Femi Falana Dares FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to Report Him to Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee Over Rivers State Judgment Analysis
Abuja, Nigeria – Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has publicly challenged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to lodge a complaint against him with the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).
The dare stems from Falana’s critical analysis of a recent Supreme Court judgment related to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, escalating tensions between the two prominent figures.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Falana accused Wike of attempting to intimidate him for his legal commentary on the Supreme Court’s ruling, which addressed disputes over the defection of lawmakers and the validity of certain political appointments in Rivers State.
Falana, known for his outspoken stance on governance and human rights issues, described his analysis as a professional interpretation of the law and dared Wike to pursue formal disciplinary action.
“I stand by my comments, which are based on the facts and the letter of the law. If Mr. Wike feels aggrieved, he should take it to the LPDC. I welcome the opportunity to defend my position,” Falana said in a press briefing in Lagos.
The Supreme Court judgment in question, delivered last month, upheld decisions related to the Rivers State House of Assembly crisis, including rulings on the legitimacy of defected members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Falana’s analysis, published in a widely circulated opinion piece, argued that the judgment highlighted potential flaws in the handling of political defections and called for greater accountability from state actors.
Critics, including some legal experts, praised Falana’s insights as a necessary check on power, while others accused him of overstepping into political territory.
Wike, who previously served as the Governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, has not yet responded directly to Falana’s challenge.
However, sources close to the minister indicated that he views Falana’s remarks as an attempt to undermine his legacy in Rivers State.
In a separate interview earlier this week, Wike defended his administration’s record and dismissed criticisms as “politically motivated.” The FCT Minister’s office has been approached for comment, but no official statement was available at the time of publication.
This confrontation adds another layer to Nigeria’s volatile political landscape, where legal analyses often intersect with partisan interests.
The LPDC, an arm of the Nigerian Bar Association responsible for regulating legal practitioners, has the authority to investigate complaints of professional misconduct.
Legal analysts suggest that such a case could set a precedent for how public commentary by lawyers is handled, potentially chilling free speech in the legal community.
Falana, a veteran advocate who has represented clients in high-profile human rights cases, including those involving government accountability, has a history of clashing with political figures.
His dare to Wike is seen by some as a bold stand for judicial independence, while others warn it could deepen divisions in an already polarized environment.
As the situation unfolds, observers are watching closely to see if Wike will escalate the matter to the LPDC or opt for a more conciliatory approach.
This episode underscores the ongoing tensions in Rivers State, where political rivalries continue to spill into the national arena, affecting governance and public discourse in Nigeria.