The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has explained his decision to choose the current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as his successor.
Vanguard newspaper reported that Mr Wike shared his reasoning during a civic reception organised in his honour by the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
The minister addressed the controversy surrounding his choice, stating that he selected Fubara as his successor in 2023, despite opposition from certain members of the Ijaw community.
“It’s not true that the Ijaw people are against me. A father may have twelve children, and one could turn out to be a troublemaker. Those going on television to criticize me—where were they when we made an Ijaw governor? No one is fighting me. I am far too significant for anyone to challenge. Even if all of them were to come together, they couldn’t take me on.
“I told them if you put your hand in Rivers State matter, fire will burn you. Today, they are crying everywhere. Instead of concentrating on how to win elections in their states, they were busy having meetings in Enugu and Taraba states. Who is losing now?”, the paper quoted Mr Wike saying.
Minister Wike refuted claims suggesting that the Ijaw people opposed him in the ongoing political dispute with Governor Fubara. He said the Ijaw nation stands in his support.
The minister also emphasised his stature in politics, declaring that he is beyond the reach of any adversary, whether real or imagined. He stated that none of his potential political opponents could challenge him.
Moreover, Mr Wike issued a stern warning to external politicians, advising them to refrain from interfering in Rivers State’s affairs.
He highlighted the unique significance of Rivers State to him and alleged that before the civic reception, a group of individuals were sent to plant explosives at the venue in Rainbow Town.
“They sent some boys to come and bomb this place with dynamite. They were arrested by the police. You are encouraging crime in Rivers State. Nobody has a monopoly on violence. We cannot turn investors away from our state through violence.
”I initiated the ring road project. Today, they are going about bragging that they started it. Go to Abuja, I am repeating what I did in Rivers State,” he added.
Mr Wike was accompanied to the reception by G-5 Governors. They were the former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, and Governors Chikezie Ikpeazu and David Umahi.
The group also included Adamawa State Governor, Umaru Fintiri, and the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, among other notable figures.
