The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that he will not interfere in the affairs of the Rivers State House of Assembly, insisting that lawmakers must be allowed to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without obstruction.
Wike made this declaration on Saturday during a Thanksgiving and Civic Reception in Abalama, Asari-Toru Local Government Area. The event was organized by Ijaw stakeholders under the New Associates Kalabari group to honor the former Rivers governor.
Speaking on the political tension in Rivers State, Wike criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara for allegedly mishandling the crisis. He expressed disappointment that the governor disregarded his advice and chose to align with individuals he described as “natural ingrates.”
“I told the governor that these issues aren’t good for him to face in this crisis, but they told him, ‘You’re Governor, you have money.’ I agree, but money isn’t everything. These people have nothing to offer. See where we are now—how far?” Wike stated.
Wike also recalled that during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries, Fubara initially declined to contest and instead pushed for his then-Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu, to be the party’s candidate.
He said his only “offence” was advising Fubara to care for those who supported his rise to power.
“What did we do wrong? We said that council chairmen, Assembly members, and National Assembly members all worked hard for him to become governor, so he shouldn’t abandon them. That was my only offence,” Wike explained.
Wike also criticized the governor for withholding the salaries and allowances of the 27 lawmakers loyal to Martin Amaewhule, calling it an ill-advised decision that has now backfired.
“They advised you to seize Assembly members’ salaries for over a year. These people couldn’t pay their children’s school fees or feed their families, and you were celebrating. You thought nothing would happen, but now it has,” Wike said.
On state development projects, Wike claimed that many ongoing projects, including the Ring Road, were initiated by his administration and handed over to Fubara.
“Many projects you see today were started by me. Let him mention just one that he initiated,” Wike challenged.
Responding to criticisms against him, Wike stated that insults do not bother him.
“You can insult me as much as you want. Abuse doesn’t kill anybody. What matters is the result. Who has high blood pressure now? Not us. We are relaxing and enjoying. They’re the ones with high blood pressure,” he said.
Reaffirming his position on the legislative impasse, Wike emphasized that the Rivers Assembly must be allowed to function without intimidation.
“I will not stop the Assembly from performing their constitutional duties. People who value peace don’t threaten others. The Assembly should do its work. Whatever is constitutional, they should proceed with it. I won’t obstruct anyone from exercising their powers,” Wike concluded.
