On Wednesday, November 1, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, resolutely conveyed to the gathering of People Democratic Party (PDP) governors that he stands undaunted by intimidation.
With an unwavering tone, he issued a stern caution against any attempts to meddle with the political landscape of Rivers State.
These assertive statements came forth following a closed-door meeting hosted by the PDP Governors’ Forum. The Forum, under the leadership of Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi state, made a courtesy visit to the Minister’s office. Their delegation included Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, Governor Caleb Muftwang of Plateau State, and Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State.
It’s essential to remember that tensions had erupted in Rivers State on Monday, October 30. This unrest was sparked by an attempt within the Rivers State Assembly to impeach the incumbent Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
However, Wike while addressing the PDP governors, said he would not be intimidated, noting that impeachment moves were not equivalent to a military coup, but was a provision in the country’s Constitution.
He dismissed rumours of interest in monies belonging to Rivers state, adding that nobody could take away the political structure in the state.
He said: “Nobody can intimidate me. If I want to do something, I will do it. Impeachment is not a military coup; it is provided under the Constitution. I’m not interested in all the rumours, money, this, and that. Rubbish. Absolute rubbish. I just left office how many months ago? And I’m FCT Minister, so which money?
“But nobody can take away our political structure. No one. You cannot work and people will begin to bring enemies, those who fought you when you were struggling for the person to be in office. Nobody does that. I’m not a political ingrate, but don’t touch the political structure of the state. I will not shut my eyes.”
Wike also appreciated the Governor’s Forum for the courtesy visit and appreciated President Bola Tinubu for the privilege to serve as FCT Minister, while reiterating his support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Earlier, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, thanked Wike for his willingness to resolve issues, noting that the Forum had “waded into the matter”, which showed the importance of Rivers State.
He also commended the President for his appointment of Wike as FCT Minister, noting that his antecedents spoke volumes about his ability to lead.
