By Ayodele Oni
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike has responded to comments by the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Bashir, on the political crisis in Rivers state.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers and a key figure in the ongoing political drama in the oil-rich state, emphasized that Rivers remains a “no-go area” for external interference and cautioned against taking the state’s support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 elections for granted.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions between Wike and Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, a rift that has spilled over into national party dynamics.
In an address during a “thank you” visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area in Rivers State, Wike accused Basiru of making “unnecessary comments” about Rivers affairs.
Wike said: “Tell the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, ‘Leave Rivers State alone. Go and ask those who have tried it before.
“Don’t take our support for President Tinubu for granted. You have to be careful over your statements.
“You’re enjoying in Osun, but you don’t know those who did the work, and you’re opening your mouth to talk about Rivers State. Anything you see, take it.
“When President Tinubu comes back, I’ll tell the Minister of Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to warn him. I can challenge anybody. This State is a no-go area.”
Wike’s outburst was in direct response to Basiru’s recent criticism of APC’s South-South Vice Chairman, Victor Giadom, who reportedly referred to Fubara as a “so-called governor” in an apparent bid to align with Wike.
Basiru, in a statement quoted widely on social media and news outlets, condemned the remark as unbecoming, stressing the need for respect toward elected officials regardless of political allegiances.
”The office of the governor is an exalted position, and whoever is occupying it must be respected, irrespective of whatever political differences you have or whatever animosity exists between them,” Basiru said.
The feud traces back to Wike’s fallout with Fubara, his successor, over control of Rivers’ political structures.
Wike, who played a pivotal role in delivering Rivers’ votes to Tinubu in 2023 despite being in the PDP, has been accused by critics of attempting to maintain a godfather-like influence.
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