…Says Governor Surrounded by Those Eyeing His Seat
• Insists He Won’t Stop Rivers Assembly from Exercising Its Constitutional Powers
• As Ijaws Host FCT Minister in Grand Style
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has stated that he will not interfere with the constitutional functions of the state House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
Speaking at a civic reception in Abalama Town, where a large crowd of Kalabari Ijaw gathered to honour him, Wike accused the Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Tammy Danagogo, of fueling the political crisis in the state.
Despite threats that he shouldn’t attend, Wike said his presence at the event was proof that opposition to him was mere “radio noise.”
“I heard some people saying I wouldn’t come here. Who are they, and how many are they?” Wike asked. “What you have done today proves that all the noise on the radio is not reality. If you are Kalabari and Ijaw and you are receiving me today, may God bless you. I will continue to stand by you.”
Wike clarified recent statements about the Ijaw people, insisting that the emergence of an Ijaw governor in Rivers was not solely due to ethnic strength but rather collective political efforts.
He recalled how at the final stage of selecting his successor, Siminalayi Fubara initially declined the governorship, suggesting that his then Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu, should take the position.
“During the primary, this governor said he was not interested in running and suggested Kamalu instead. But Chief Alabraba, OCJ Okocha, and Sergeant Awuse pressured me to choose Fubara, arguing for fairness,” Wike said.
He emphasized that Fubara’s victory was not an independent Ijaw effort but a result of strategic cooperation.
“Nobody should associate evil with the Ijaw. Ijaw people are not evil. Threatening to blow up pipelines is not the way. Engage people intellectually and diplomatically,” Wike cautioned.
Wike accused Fubara’s allies of advising him to withhold the salaries and allowances of Assembly members for over a year, leading to the current crisis.
“They told you to seize Assembly members’ salaries for over a year, thinking nothing would happen. Now something has happened,” he said.
“I won’t stop the Assembly from performing its duties. The Assembly must be allowed to function. People who love peace don’t issue threats,” Wike declared.
He also criticized those advising Fubara, calling them “natural ingrates” and warning that they were leading him into deeper trouble.
“This is 2-0, and more is coming. Surrounding yourself with people who want your seat will not work. They abuse me, and you are happy, not realizing they are destroying you,” he added.
Tracing the root of the crisis, Wike blamed SSG Danagogo, accusing him of using his brother, a judge, to issue an ex parte order declaring 27 lawmakers had defected and allowing Fubara to present a budget to just three legislators.
“This is Danagogo, who wanted to be governor but didn’t get it. Now, he is leading Fubara into destruction,” Wike alleged.
He said President Bola Tinubu had intervened for peace, convincing lawmakers to withdraw an impeachment notice against Fubara. However, Wike claimed Fubara’s advisers prevented him from fulfilling his part of the agreement.
“You can insult me all you want, but the result is clear. Who now has high blood pressure? Those advising the governor,” he mocked.
Wike vowed that those who worked for Fubara’s victory would not be sidelined, warning against “use-and-dump” politics.
“All those who tried to stop Fubara from becoming governor are now collecting his money and claiming they will decide for Rivers. Decide for who? I have defeated them before, and I will keep defeating them,” he declared.
Reaffirming his support for President Tinubu, Wike questioned what would have become of his political camp if the President had not appointed him as a minister.
“Politics is about interest. People must stop using and dumping others. That era is over,” he said.
The event’s chairman, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, praised Wike for his political strength and dedication to the Ijaw people.
“May this achievement bring peace to Rivers. The Kalabari Kingdom stands with you always. Your footprints in Kalabari land will remain indelible for generations,” he said.
