The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has faulted the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for allegedly behaving as though he remains in charge of the state.
The party’s Publicity Secretary in Rivers State, Chizzy Enyi, made the claim in a video shared online while responding to Wike’s recent remarks concerning Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike had stated that Fubara had fulfilled all the conditions presented to him as part of efforts to resolve the disagreement between the governor and members of his former political camp.
The former Rivers State governor made the statement during an interview with TVC News, where he spoke about the ongoing reconciliation efforts in the state.
According to Wike, Fubara had shown commitment to the peace process by taking the necessary steps expected of him.
The minister also disclosed that Fubara forwarded the names of members proposed for the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign council before leaving the country for the United States.
Reacting to the development, the ADC accused Wike of overstepping his boundaries by continuing to speak about the actions and decisions of the sitting Rivers State governor.
Enyi argued that Wike’s statement gave the impression that the FCT minister still exercises considerable control over political affairs in Rivers State.
He questioned why a former governor who is no longer in office would appear to be giving directives to the incumbent governor or monitoring whether such instructions had been carried out.
The ADC spokesman further alleged that Wike’s continued involvement in Rivers politics was driven primarily by his interest in the state’s resources.
Enyi said the minister’s comments had further reinforced the perception that Wike still considers himself an authority in Rivers State despite his current position at the federal level.
He said, “Wike is now acting as though he is the Chief Executive Officer of Rivers State, telling Nigerians that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has carried out everything he instructed him to do, including submitting the names for the campaign council.
“This has shown Nigerians the kind of interest Wike continues to have in Rivers State. From what we are seeing, his concern appears to be centred on the resources of the state.
“He may be serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, but he is presenting himself as though he remains the person in control of Rivers State.
“Rivers State has a sitting governor, and the affairs of the state should be handled by the government in office.
“One day, this situation will come to an end, and Rivers people will be able to determine the direction of their state without this kind of interference.”
The ADC’s reaction comes amid continuing political tensions surrounding Wike and Fubara.
The relationship between the former governor and his successor has remained a major issue in Rivers State politics, with political parties and stakeholders frequently commenting on their dealings.
Wike’s transition from Rivers State governor to FCT minister has not ended his involvement in discussions concerning the state, while Fubara has continued to govern Rivers State amid the political developments.
The latest exchange is likely to generate further reactions from political actors in the state as the debate over Wike’s influence and Fubara’s political independence continues.
