The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, to desist from interfering in the political affairs of Rivers State.
Wike issued the warning while addressing residents of Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, following comments attributed to Basiru concerning internal political developments in the state.
The minister was reacting to reports that the APC national secretary had cautioned the party’s National Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, over what he described as disrespect towards Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, allegedly in a bid to curry favour with Wike. The remarks were said to have followed Wike’s recent “thank you” visit to Gokana Local Government Area.
Addressing the gathering, Wike advised Basiru and other politicians to refrain from making statements or taking actions capable of generating tension in Rivers State.
He noted that both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were working towards a common goal of ensuring the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election, stressing that unnecessary political provocations could undermine that objective.
Wike also expressed displeasure over what he described as attempts by some politicians to position themselves to benefit from the N600 billion Rivers fund, warning against the politicisation of resources meant for the development of the state.
“Let me warn those who came to Rivers State, because you have heard that we have N600 billion. You come here, you collect, and you open your mouth to talk anyhow,” Wike said.
He added, “I say it here, take this message to your National Secretary: leave Rivers State alone. Go and ask those who have done it before. Don’t take our support for Mr President for granted. You have to be careful with the statements you make.”
Continuing, the minister said, “Today, you are enjoying in Osun, you don’t know those who did the work. You are opening your mouth to talk about Rivers State. Anything you see, take it.”
Wike further warned, “Go and ask other people what has happened to them before. If your hand burns, it’s not me. This state is a no-go area. Take the one you have taken and stop making unnecessary comments.”
