Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has warned Ajibola Basiru, national secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to steer clear of political activities in Rivers State.
The remarks followed recent comments by Basiru, who warned Victor Giadom, APC south-south national vice-chairman, against disrespecting Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers State, allegedly to please Wike.
The Witness had reported how Giadom referred to Fubara as a “so-called governor of Rivers State”, a comment that drew public criticism within the party.
Afterwards, Basiru said it was unfortunate that a member of the party’s national working committee would describe an APC governor as a “so-called governor of Rivers State”.
The APC secretary stressed that political disagreements should not degenerate into disrespect for elected offices, insisting that the office of governor deserves recognition irrespective of party differences.
DON’T TAKE OUR SUPPORT FOR TINUBU FOR GRANTED
Responding at a gathering in Oyigbo LGA of Rivers state, Wike warned APC leaders to exercise restraint in their statements amid the prevailing political atmosphere.
He also cautioned that those who failed to heed the warning could face serious consequences, urging Basiru to learn from the experiences of others who had attempted similar actions in the past.
“Let me warn those who come to Rivers State, because you have heard of our ₦600 billion. You come here, you connect, and you open your mouth and you’re talking here. I want to say it,” Wike said.
“You know, when you are doing something in the interest of everybody, some people will come out to make sure those things don’t work.
“I want to say to you, Tony Okocha, take this message. Tell your national secretary, Ajibola Basiru, leave Rivers State alone. Leave Rivers State alone. Go and ask those who have tried it before. Go and ask those who have tried it before.
“Don’t take our support for Mr President for granted. You have to be careful with the statement you make. You have to be careful.
“Today, you are enjoying in Osun; you don’t know those who did the work. You open your mouth to talk about Rivers State. Anything you see, take it. Anything you see, what? Take it.
“When Mr President comes back, when I see the minister of blue economy, I will tell him to tell him: go and ask other people what has happened to them before. Put your hand into Rivers State; carry your hand to come out of Rivers State. If your hand burns, don’t say that na me burn am oo.
“I can challenge anybody. This state is a no-go area. This state is a no-go area. Whether you like it or you don’t like it. So take the one you have taken. Stop making unnecessary comments. Take the one you have taken. Stop making unnecessary comments.”
