Abuja: Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has issued a warning to the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, advising him to refrain from involving himself in the political affairs of Rivers State. Wike made this statement during a ‘thank you’ visit to the Oyigbo Local Government Area.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the warning from Wike follows remarks made by Basiru on Sunday, where he cautioned the party’s National Vice-Chairman, South-South, Victor Giadom, against disrespecting Governor Siminalayi Fubara in an attempt to appease Wike. This was in response to Giadom’s comments from December 30, 2025, during Wike’s visit to Gokana Local Government Area, where Giadom referred to Fubara as a ‘so-called governor’ and implied that Fubara must go through the FCT minister to achieve anything in the state.
Wike expressed his discontent with Basiru’s comments and instructed Giadom to communicate to the APC secretary the importance of staying out of Rivers politics for his own benefit. Wike emphasized that the support for President Bola Tinubu should not be taken for granted and urged caution in future statements.
The former governor of Rivers also addressed those interfering in the state’s politics due to the alleged N600 billion in the state treasury, urging them to desist. He highlighted the lack of support when the people of Rivers were backing President Tinubu in 2023 and criticized those now showing interest.
Wike reiterated that the decision to support the President was made voluntarily and cautioned against making unnecessary comments. He thanked the people of Oyigbo for their unwavering support, noting their consistent willingness to assist when needed.
In response, the Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Council, Mr. Okechukwu Agara, expressed gratitude to Wike for his past support and promised continued backing for the minister. Mr. Felix Nweke, representing Tai, Oyigbo, and Eleme Federal Constituency, also assured ongoing support for Wike, lamenting the stagnation in development since Wike’s tenure as governor ended in 2023.
Additionally, Chairman of Renewed Hope in the state, Amb. Desmond Akawor, remarked on the unfortunate lack of development in the area but expressed optimism for improvements with the anticipated leadership change in 2027.