FCT minister warns Rivers governor to come clean or face public disclosure
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned that he will publicly disclose the agreement he reached with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, if the governor fails to explain it to the people of Rivers State.
Wike issued the warning on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he addressed political leaders and supporters from across party lines.
The former Rivers governor said the political sacrifices he made at the national level had produced tangible benefits, contrasting this with what he described as developments within the state since he left office.
According to Wike, President Tinubu has kept faith with him, citing his appointment as FCT Minister and the placement of several Rivers indigenes in strategic federal positions as evidence that Rivers State has benefited under the current administration.
“If he does not tell the Rivers people the agreement we had before Mr. President, I will tell them myself,” Wike said.
He also cautioned political actors from outside Rivers State to stay away from its internal affairs, stressing that only those familiar with the state’s political landscape should attempt to influence it.
“If you don’t understand Rivers politics, sit at home. Nobody can intimidate us. When the federal government was against us, we won. Now that the federal government is friendly with us, we will win even more,” he declared.
Wike explained that his visit to Eleme was to appreciate the people for their loyalty over the years, adding that backing President Tinubu had proven to be a beneficial political decision. He urged residents to sustain their support for the President and their political leaders as preparations begin for the next political cycle.
Eleme leaders reaffirm loyalty
Former Senator representing Rivers East, Olaka Nwogu, praised Wike for his visit and assured him of the unwavering support of the Eleme people. He credited Wike with facilitating development projects in the area and appointing Eleme indigenes to key positions.
“We voted for Governor Fubara because Wike asked us to. Since Wike left office, no major project has come to Eleme. Whatever Wike says, we stand with him,” Nwogu said, describing Wike as having been betrayed.
A member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Aforji Igwe, described Wike as a fair-minded leader who promoted equity ahead of the 2023 governorship election by supporting a riverine candidate rather than retaining power in Ikwerre.
Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Obarilomate Ollor, also praised Wike’s leadership, listing several projects executed during his tenure and pledging the council’s support for President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Other political leaders at the event reaffirmed their loyalty to Wike, while the meeting also witnessed the return of some figures who had previously exited the political fold.
The event ended with the presentation of a plaque of honour to the FCT Minister in recognition of his contributions to the development of Eleme Local Government Area.
