The National Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, has been warned by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike to “leave Rivers State alone” and to exercise caution when making remarks.
During his “thank-you” visit to Rivers State’s Oyigbo Local Government Area, Wike issued the warning, claiming that the APC had received some of the N600 billion remaining in the state’s coffers.
According to newsmen, during the minister’s visit to the Khana/Gokana Local Government Area, the APC Vice Chairman (South-South) referred to Governor Siminalayi Fubara as “the so-called Governor.”
He went on to say that Fubara needed to go through Wike to win a second term in the state.
But Basiru called Giadom’s comments “unfortunate,” saying that Fubara’s position as governor should be respected regardless of his party connections.
“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.
Wike responded by challenging the party leader and declaring the state to be a “no-go area.”
He added that he could not hold anyone accountable if his hands were burned and urged the secretary to learn from others who had previously attempted to interfere in Rivers State politics.
“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. Please 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, 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.”
