Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned the National Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, to leave Rivers State politics alone, urging the ruling party chieftain 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 River State’s coffers.
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It can be recalled that the APC Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, had described Governor Siminalayi Fubara as “the so-called Governor” during the minister’s visit to Khana/Gokana local government area of the State last week.
He further said that Fubara would 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 evening.
In response, Wike challenged the party national secretary, warning that the state affairs 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 should 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. Don’t take our support for Mr President for granted. You have to be careful with 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,” he said.