The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, urging him to stop making comments about Rivers State and its political affairs.
Wike delivered the warning during a “thank-you” visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he accused the APC leadership of benefiting from part of the ₦600 billion reportedly left in the state’s coffers, yet still making what he described as reckless statements about the state.
His reaction followed remarks credited to the APC Vice Chairman (South-South), who had reportedly referred to Governor Siminalayi Fubara as a “so-called governor” during a recent visit to Khana and Gokana local government areas. The party official also claimed that Fubara could not secure a second term without Wike’s backing.
Basiru later distanced himself from the statement, describing it as unfortunate and insisting that Governor Fubara deserved respect regardless of political differences.
“I find it disturbing that a member of the National Working Committee would refer to a sitting governor as a ‘so-called governor,’” Basiru wrote on Facebook. “The office of governor is a highly respected position and must be treated as such, irrespective of political affiliations.”
Reacting strongly, Wike warned the APC national secretary to tread carefully, describing Rivers State as a political “no-go area” for interference.
“Let me warn those coming to Rivers State because they heard about the ₦600 billion,” Wike said. “You come here, collect money, and then open your mouth to talk anyhow. Take this message to your national secretary, leave Rivers State alone.”
He cautioned that those who had previously attempted to interfere in Rivers politics ended badly and said he would not be responsible if anyone suffered the consequences of their actions.
“Do not take our support for Mr President for granted. Be careful with the statements you make. If your hands get burned, it will not be my doing,” he added, using a mix of English and pidgin to drive home his warning.
Meanwhile, the Renewed Hope Ambassador for Rivers State, Desmond Akawor, raised concerns about what he described as a lack of development in Oyigbo since Governor Fubara assumed office.
According to Akawor, residents had expected tangible improvements after supporting the governor’s election, but little had changed.
“Development in Oyigbo has stalled. We have not moved forward at all,” he said. “The only benefit we can point to is my appointment as a commissioner. Beyond that, nothing meaningful has reached our people.”
He also called for fairness in the distribution of funds, insisting that Oyigbo should not be sidelined if the ₦600 billion is being shared across interest groups.
“We are not asking for favours,” Akawor stressed. “We are simply asking for fairness. Oyigbo must not be excluded.”
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