Ogona Anita
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, to stay out of Rivers State politics.
Wike delivered the warning during his “thank you” visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, following recent comments credited to Basiru on the internal political situation in the state.
Basiru had, on Sunday, cautioned the APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, to stop allegedly disrespecting Governor Siminalayi Fubara in an attempt to please Wike.
The warning came after Giadom’s remarks on December 30, 2025, during Wike’s “thank you” visit to Gokana Local Government Area, where he described Fubara as a “so-called governor.”
Giadom had also stated that for Fubara to win anything politically in Rivers State, he must go through Wike.
Reacting strongly, the former Rivers governor said he would not take Basiru’s comments lightly and directed Giadom to relay a clear message to the APC scribe.
“Tell your National Secretary to leave Rivers alone. Go and ask those who have tried it before and don’t take our support for Mr President for granted,” Wike said.
“You have to be careful of the statement. Issuing what he described as a final warning, Wike cautioned against further interference in Rivers politics.Politics
“When Mr. President comes back, when I see the Minister of Blue Economy, I will tell them to tell him. Carry your hand to Rivers State; if your hand burns, don’t say na me burn am,” he said.
The minister also warned politicians allegedly eyeing the N600 billion said to be in the Rivers State treasury to stay away from the state.
He recalled that during the 2023 elections, when Rivers people struggled to support President Bola Tinubu, they did so without external backing.
“When Rivers people were struggling to support Mr President in 2023, nobody supported us,” Wike said.
He insisted that the APC National Secretary and his associates should steer clear of Rivers State, warning that failure to do so would come with consequences.
“Anything you see, you take,” he declared.Describing Rivers as “a no-go area” for political opportunists, Wike challenged what he termed greedy politicians to stay away.
“Take the one you have taken and stop making unnecessary comments. We have taken a decision to support Mr President and that is exactly what we are doing. When we agreed to support Tinubu in 2023, nobody forced us,” he said.
Now food is ready and everybody is coming, and when it was hot nobody was saying anything. Leave Rivers State alone,” Wike warned.
He went on to thank the people of Oyigbo, noting their consistent loyalty and support.
“There was no time I begged for something and they did not oblige,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Council, Mr Okechukwu Agara, expressed gratitude to the minister on behalf of the people.
“For all that you have done for us, we will continue to support you. Just say the word, we will hear and will do exactly what you want us to do,” Agara said.
Also speaking, Mr Felix Nweke, who represents Tai, Oyigbo and Eleme Federal Constituency, assured Wike of the local government’s continued support.
Nweke noted that development in the area had stagnated since Wike left office as governor in 2023.
Similarly, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, Chairman of the Renewed Hope movement in Rivers State, described the absence of development as unfortunate but expressed optimism that the situation would improve with an expected change of leadership in 2027.
