The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, to “leave Rivers State alone” and exercise caution in his public statements
Wike issued the warning during a “thank-you” visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area, alleging that the APC had received some of the N600 billion reportedly left in the state’s coffers.
The minister’s remarks came after the APC Vice Chairman (South-South) reportedly referred to Governor Siminalayi Fubara as “the so-called Governor” during a visit to Khana/Gokana Local Government Area. He also claimed that Fubara could not secure a second term without going through Wike.
Basiru, reacting to the comment, described it as “unfortunate” and emphasized that Fubara’s position as governor should be respected regardless of political differences.
“I find it unfortunate that a member of the NWC…was referring to a governor in our party as a ‘so-called governor of Rivers State.’ The office of the governor is an exalted position, and whoever occupies it must be respected, irrespective of political differences,” Basiru said in a Facebook post on Sunday.
In response, Wike warned Basiru that Rivers State was a “no-go area” for political interference. He advised the APC leader to learn from those who had previously meddled in the state’s politics and cautioned against careless remarks.
“Let me warn those who come to Rivers State. You have heard about our N600 billion, you come here, you collect, and you open your mouth to talk anyhow. Take this message to your National Secretary: leave Rivers State alone. Go and ask those who have tried it before. Please don’t take our support for Mr President for granted. Be careful with your statements,” Wike said.
The minister added, “Today, you are enjoying in Osun, but you don’t know those who did the work. You are opening your mouth to talk about Rivers State. Anything you see, take it. Go and ask others what happened to them before. If your hand burns, no be me burn am o. This state is a no-go area.”
Meanwhile, the Renewed Hope Ambassador for Rivers State, Desmond Akawor, expressed concern that development in Oyigbo had stalled since Governor Fubara assumed office. He urged that the area receive its fair share of the N600 billion left in the state account.
“We elected Governor Siminalayi Fubara expecting meaningful development in Oyigbo. But progress has stalled. The only tangible benefit we have received is a commissioner slot, which was given to me. Beyond that, nothing substantial has reached our people,” Akawor said.
He added, “There is talk about N600 billion. Let us be clear, we are not here to argue figures. But Oyigbo people must not be excluded. If N40 billion was allocated across groups, Oyigbo must not be shortchanged. We are not asking for favors; we are asking for fairness.”
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
, Ajibola Basiru, to “leave Rivers State alone” and exercise caution in his public statements.){kind=link}