- Safiu Kehinde
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has warned All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, to stay out of Rivers State political affairs.
This is coming under the heels of Basiru’s criticism of the APC Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, who referred the current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as a “so-called governor.”
Giadom was said to have made the remarks at Gokana Local Government Area of the state.
According to report, Basiru had in a post on his Facebook handle warned that such language undermines democratic institutions and the dignity of elected offices.
“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.” the APC National Secretary, who had previously led members of the party’s National Executive Committee to Port Harcourt to publicly endorsed Mr Fubara for a second term, had said in the post.
Reacting during his address to his supporters at Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, Wike charged Basiru not to take the state’s support of President Bola Tinubu for granted.
He warned of severe consequences if the APC National Secretary continues to meddle with the affairs of the state.
The former Rivers governor noted that the state’s political decision to support Tinubu in the 2023 elections was deliberate, collective and must not be taken for granted.
“Let me warn those who come to Rivers State, because you have heard about this already.
“You come here, you collect, and you open your mouth and start talking.
“I want to say it clearly here, when you are doing something for the interest of everybody, some people will come out to make sure they did not work.
Tell the National Secretary to leave Rivers State alone. Leave Rivers State alone. Go and ask those who have tried it before,” Wike said.
The minister further reiterated his warning against making careless statements about Rivers politics as he hinted his possible influence in the political events in Osun State which he claimed to be at the benefit of Basiru.
“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, but you don’t know those who did the work,” he added.
Wike vowed to report Basiru to the former Osun Governor and current Minister of Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, once Tinubu returns from his trip.
He charged the Minister to call the APC National Secretary to order.
“Once Mr. President comes back, I’m going to see the Minister of Blue Economy. I will tell them to him, go and ask other people what has happened to them before.
“You carry your hand come Rivers State. If your hand burn, don’t say na me burn am. I can challenge anybody, this state is a no-go area.
“Take the one you have taken and stop making unnecessary comment.” Wike said.
Reflecting on the 2023 elections, Wike admitted to the difficulty of two major opposition parties to work together, noting that Rivers took a political risk that ultimately paid off.