The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned the National Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Ajibola Basiru, to “leave Rivers State alone,” urging the party leader to be careful with statements he makes.
Wike gave the warning during his “thank-you” visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, alleging that the APC had received some funds from the N600 billion sum left in the state’s coffers.
The APC Vice Chairman (South-South) had described Governor Siminalayi Fubara as “the so-called Governor” during the minister’s visit to Khana/Gokana Local Government Area.
He further said that Fubara could not win a second term in the state without going through Wike.
However, Basiru described Giadom’s remarks as “unfortunate,” stating that Fubara’s position as governor, in spite of political affiliations, should command respect.
“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 is occupying it must be respected, irrespective of whatever political differences you have,” Basiru said in a Facebook post on Sunday.
In response, Wike challenged the party leader, warning that the state was a “no-go area.”
He further asked the secretary to learn from those who previously tried to meddle in Rivers State politics, stating that he could not blame anyone if his hands got burnt.
“Let me warn those who come to Rivers State, because you have heard that we have N600bn, you come here, you collect, and you open your mouth to talk anyhow.
“I say it here, take this message to your National Secretary, leave Rivers State alone. Go and ask those who have done it before. Please don’t take our support for Mr President for granted. You have to be careful with the statements you make.
“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.
“Go and ask other people what has happened to them before. If your hand burns, no be me burn am o. This state is a no-go area. Take the one you have taken, stop making unnecessary comments.”
Meanwhile, the Renewed Hope Ambassador for Rivers State, Desmond Akawor, said development had stalled in the local government since the inauguration of Fubara as governor, adding that the area must get its fair share of the N600 billion left in the state’s account.
“We elected Governor Siminalayi Fubara with the expectation that Oyigbo would benefit meaningfully from development.
“Your Excellency, development in Oyigbo has stalled. We have not moved an inch forward. The only tangible benefit Oyigbo has received is a commissioner slot, which was given to me. Beyond that, nothing substantial has come to our people.
“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 favours; we are asking for fairness,” he said.
