The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his support for the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, stating that he will not obstruct its constitutional duties.
Speaking at a grand civic reception in his honor at Abalama Town in the Kalabari Kingdom, organized by NEW Associates, Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, directly accused the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, of fueling the ongoing political turmoil in the state.
Amid a massive turnout of supporters, Wike dismissed threats against his visit, emphasizing that his presence proved the opposition’s rhetoric was nothing but “radio noise.” He questioned the credibility of those claiming he wouldn’t show up and praised the Kalabari and Ijaw people for standing by him.
Refuting allegations that he labeled the Ijaw people as a minority in Rivers State, Wike insisted that his words were deliberately twisted. He recounted how key political figures, including Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, OCJ Okocha, Sergeant Awuse, and Celestine Omehia, played crucial roles in selecting the current governor, revealing that the governor initially declined to run. He claimed that on the day of the primary election, the governor wanted then-Finance Commissioner Isaac Kamalu to be the candidate, but Celestine Omehia pushed for Kamalu, doubting the governor’s ability to handle the office’s demands.
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Wike further alleged that the governor’s advisers orchestrated a plan to withhold the salaries and allowances of Assembly members for over a year, leaving them financially stranded. He declared that he would not interfere with the legislature’s responsibilities, making it clear that the Assembly must be allowed to function.
“They told you to seize their salaries, starve them and their families, and refuse to pay school fees. You were celebrating, and people cheered you on, assuring you that nothing would happen. Well, something has happened now,” Wike stated.
He stood firm on his stance that the Assembly members never lost their seats and that attempts to manipulate local government affairs were illegal. He reminded the governor that those he now disregards were instrumental in his victory and refuted claims that he demanded financial favors.
“Yesterday, I was a bad man, a crook, and a criminal. But it was that same ‘bad man’ who made you governor against all odds. If I hated the Ijaw people, would I have done that?” he asked, reinforcing his commitment to fairness.
Taking a swipe at those influencing the governor, Wike labeled them as “natural ingrates,” warning that political power should not be driven by arrogance or money. He cautioned the governor about the dangers of surrounding himself with sycophants, emphasizing that money alone cannot sustain leadership.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the event, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, hailed Wike’s leadership and his commitment to resolving the Rivers State political crisis. He acknowledged Wike’s relentless efforts in pushing the dispute to the Supreme Court and expressed hope that his influence would restore peace.
“Your contributions to Kalabari land will remain indelible for generations to come. We stand with you,” Alabraba declared.
As Rivers State’s political landscape continues to heat up, Wike’s bold statements have intensified the ongoing debate, setting the stage for a dramatic turn of events in the coming days.
