Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has issued a blistering warning to the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, telling him to “leave Rivers State alone” amid rising political tension over control, influence and alleged access to state funds.
Wike spoke during a thank you visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he accused elements within the APC of benefiting from the alleged ₦600 billion left in the state’s coffers while simultaneously making “reckless” political statements about the state and its leadership.
The warning followed comments credited to the APC Vice Chairman (South South), Victor Giadom, who reportedly described Governor Siminalayi Fubara as “the so called governor” during a visit to Khana and Gokana local government areas. Giadom also suggested that Fubara could not secure a second term without Wike’s backing.
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Basiru, reacting in a Facebook post on Sunday, distanced himself from the remarks, describing them as “unfortunate” and stressing that the office of governor deserves respect regardless of political differences.
“I find it unfortunate that a member of the NWC was referring to a governor in our party as a so called governor of Rivers State,” Basiru wrote. “The office of the governor is an exalted position, and whoever occupies it must be respected.”
Wike, however, was unimpressed.
In a strongly worded response, the former Rivers governor challenged the APC scribe, warning that Rivers State was a political “no go area” and that those who meddle in its affairs often do so at their own peril.
“Let me warn those who come to Rivers State because you heard that we have ₦600 billion. You come, you collect, and then you open your mouth to talk anyhow,” Wike said. “Take this message to your National Secretary. Leave Rivers State alone.”
He accused political actors of suddenly showing interest in Rivers only now that the state was politically stable and financially buoyant, arguing that the same people were absent when sacrifices were required.
“When it was hot, nobody was there. Now food is ready, everybody is coming,” Wike said. “Please don’t take our support for Mr President for granted.”
Wike warned Basiru and others to learn from past political actors who attempted to interfere in Rivers politics, saying he would not be responsible if their actions backfired.
“Go and ask other people what happened to them before. If your hand burns, no be me burn am. This state is a no go area,” he said.
The minister also linked the controversy to Rivers support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 elections, insisting that the backing was voluntary and not forced.
“When we agreed to support Mr President in 2023, nobody forced us,” Wike said. “We were struggling alone. Now everybody wants to talk. Leave Rivers State alone.”
Despite the political firestorm, Wike thanked the people of Oyigbo for their loyalty and support, noting that they had never failed him whenever he called on them.
The episode underscores growing unease within the APC over Rivers State, where loyalty, influence and access continue to shape a volatile power equation ahead of future political contests.
