- Resign As Minister To Satisfy Your Obsession With Rivers — Basiru Fires Back
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, cautioning him to stay away from Rivers State and desist from what he described as unnecessary comments on the state’s political affairs.
Wike gave the warning while addressing a large crowd of supporters during his visit to Rivers State, accusing some political actors of envy and undue interference whenever they see success.
The former Rivers State governor also warned those allegedly drawn to the state because of its financial strength to exercise restraint
“First of all, the problem of some people in this country is that when you see someone who is better than you, you begin to be jealous and envious.
“I challenge any state in this country today — if you know you have the capacity, put the two parties together and see what it takes. This is the only state you can see the main two political parties working together. We did it in 2023.”
Wike insisted that Rivers State should not be taken for granted politically, especially regarding its support for President Bola Tinubu.
“I want to say it here: take this message and tell your National Secretary — leave Rivers State alone. Go and ask those who have tried it before. Don’t take our support for Mr President for granted,” he warned.
Making reference to Osun State, Wike suggested that Basiru lacked understanding of Rivers’ political structure.
“Today you’re enjoying in Osun, you don’t know who did the work. You open your mouth to talk about Rivers State — anything you see, take it,” he said.
The FCT Minister further issued a stern warning, describing Rivers as a political “no-go area” for external interference.
“I can challenge anybody. This state is a no-go area whether you like it or not. Take what you have taken and stop making unnecessary comments,” Wike said.
However, reacting swiftly to the warning, APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, dismissed Wike’s claims, insisting he had no financial or political interest in Rivers State.
“From my record, he isn’t a member of APC. I don’t see which authority or temerity he has to be dabbling into APC affairs,” Basiru said.
He stressed that his responsibilities as APC National Secretary extend beyond Osun State.
“I am the National Secretary of APC and my activities are not confined to Osun State. I don’t see any basis for him to be making comments about my activities either in Rivers State or in any part of Nigeria,” he said.
Basiru also rejected the allegation that he was interested in Rivers State’s N600 billion allocation.
“I take strong exception to his allusion that I am interested in the N600 billion allocations of Rivers State. My record of service is that of integrity and commitment to service,” he stated.
Describing himself as unafraid of intimidation, Basiru added, “As to his veiled threat against me, I am a believer in God. Only God can do something to anybody, no matter how highly placed.
“Finally, my advice to him is that he should resign as Minister and face his obsession with Rivers politics,” Basiru said.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
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