Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has taken a dig at his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his supporters for aligning with the Action People’s Congress as a political party, asserting that he will show them the ropes when it comes to politics.
This comes as Governor Fubara’s kinsmen issued an apology to Wike for the actions of Fubara, during a civic reception in Port Harcourt over the weekend. The stakeholders, representing the Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress, urged Wike to disregard the negative behavior of one individual and continue fostering relationships with the Ijaw community.
Wike, in response, dismissed claims of a rift with the Ijaw people, emphasizing that his focus is on political progress and unity. He criticized the decision of some to align with the Action People’s Congress, asserting that money does not equate to political capability. Additionally, Wike highlighted the support he has received from Ijaw lawmakers in the state government, who have spoken out against constitutional violations and poor governance.
He stated, “Imagine in Rivers they are contemplating APP. It is not about money. Money does not move. You can have all the money but if there is no capacity there is no capacity.
“All the things you see are people envious of our growth. We have defeated them severally and if opportunity comes again we will defeat them
“We have not started politics, when the time comes we will play politics. Our job is politics. Tell them to keep their party ready. We will teach them what is called politics,” Wike stated.
He called all members of the House of Assembly representing the Ijaw extraction to join him on the stage, saying of the 12 of them 10 were supporting the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule.
He said the 10 were against the alleged abuse of the constitution and non-performance of the governor.
He said: “It is an interesting occasion. Why did they honour me? Many people go and speak on TV as if they are representing Ijaw. Ten Ijaw lawmakers out of 12 are saying that the governor has done infractions of the Constitution.
“These are people representing Ijaw in the Assembly and they are saying that he is not doing well. If anybody tells you that Ijaw people are fighting me. It is not true. It is just a few ungrateful Ijaw people. If a father has 12 children, one can be an armed robber, does it mean all of them are armed robbers?”
Wike described the crisis period in Rivers as a time for some people to enrich themselves adding that such persons see the state government as a big market.
He said someone from Delta State spoke about Ijaw governor but that he told the person to emulate him and make an Ijaw person a governor in Delta.
The Minister said: “There is a big market and some people are rushing to the market. Soon, they will come back and say there is nothing good in the market. I have friends in Ijaw and they haven’t betrayed me.
“Somebody was talking about Ijaw governor and I told the person you are from Delta to make an Ijaw person governor in Delta. I have made an Ijaw man governor of Rivers State. Who loves Ijaw more. Is it people who appear on TV?
“If they were that strong, since after the old Rivers state has an Ijaw man become governor. Where were they? I am an Ikwerre man but I sat down and said for political conviviality and unity let’s go this way.
“They said why should I bring an Opobo man that Opobo is not the real Ijaw. Now food is ready and Opobo has become the real Ijaw. This is leadership of the stomach”.
Present at the event were former governors and members of the G5, including Samuel Ortom (former Benue Governor), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (former Enugu Governor and Okezie Ikpeazu (former Abia State Governor), among others.
