REM Petitions U.S. Over Wike’s Alleged Looting, Demands Sanctions

The Rivers Emancipation Movement (REM) has petitioned the international community, calling for urgent intervention over alleged corruption and oppressive practices linked to Chief Nyesom Wike, former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a three-page petition signed by its Convener and Spokesperson, Zoe Solomon Tamunotonye, REM addressed the U.S. Congress through the Department of State (Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor), with copies sent to:

The Oval Office, White House, Washington D.C.

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria

The United Nations

The International Court of Justice

Amnesty International

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore

The group alleged that Wike engaged in massive financial corruption during his eight-year tenure as Governor, including diversion of the 13% oil revenue derivation and acquisition of luxury properties for his children in Florida, USA. It further accused him of owning hotels and supermarket chains across Nigeria while failing to provide accountability for state resources.

Relying on international laws, treaties, and U.S. policy frameworks, REM urged the Department of State and global partners to:

1. Investigate Wike’s alleged corruption and links to properties abroad.
2. Place him under international watchlists and sanctions for corruption and human rights abuses.
3. Pressure the Nigerian government to recover and return stolen funds for reinvestment in Rivers citizens.
4. Safeguard Rivers youths from political persecution and ensure their voices for justice are protected.

“Rivers State is blessed with abundant resources, yet its people are condemned to poverty due to corruption and abuse of office,” the petition stated.

Signed:
Zoe Solomon Tamunotonye
Convener/Spokesperson, Rivers Emancipation Movement (REM)