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, to steer clear of political affairs in Rivers State. The former governor cautioned against making reckless and inflammatory statements about the state's governance.
A Warning Issued in Oyigbo
Wike delivered this strong message on Monday, January 5, during a thank-you visit to supporters in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State. He expressed his displeasure with external political actors who, he alleged, are now speaking carelessly about the state's politics. Wike linked this sudden interest to the reported N600 billion left in the state's coffers, suggesting that outsiders are drawn by the financial resources.
The Root of the Conflict: Giadom's Remarks and Basiru's Rebuttal
The friction stems from comments made by the APC's Vice Chairman for the South-South zone, Victor Giadom. At a public forum, Giadom referred to the incumbent Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as "the so-called Governor" and asserted that Fubara could not secure a second term without going through Wike.
Reacting to this, Senator Ajibola Basiru took to Facebook to condemn Giadom's statement. Basiru described the comment as "unfortunate" and insisted that the office of the governor commands respect, irrespective of political differences. He emphasized that such language from a member of the party's National Working Committee (NWC) was unbecoming and should not be encouraged.
Wike's Fiery Retort and Clear Boundaries
Clearly angered by Basiru's intervention, Wike fired back with a direct and metaphorical warning. He declared Rivers State a "no-go area" for political interference and told Basiru to learn from the past experiences of others who attempted similar actions.
"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," Wike stated. "I say it here, take this message to your National Secretary, leave Rivers State alone. Go and ask those who have done it before... If your hand burns, no be me burn am o. This state is a no-go area."
He further advised Basiru to focus on his own political domain, noting, "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."
This public spat highlights the ongoing tense political undercurrents in Rivers State and signals Wike's continued determination to control the narrative and political access to the state, despite his current national position.
