Ajibola Basiru, national secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has asked Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), to resign and concentrate on his “obsession with Rivers politics.”
BACKSTORY
Wike had earlier asked the APC national secretary to stay off Rivers politics.
The former governor of Rivers State claimed that certain politicians were exploiting the reported N600 billion in the state’s treasury to make reckless comments about Rivers affairs.
The caution came after remarks attributed to Victor Giadom, APC vice-chairman (South-South), who had previously referred to Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers State, in a dismissive manner.
Giadom was also quoted as insisting that Fubara would not secure a second term without Wike’s backing.
Reacting to those statements, Basiru described them as inappropriate and maintained that the office of a state governor must be accorded dignity, irrespective of political disagreements.
Basiru stressed that the position of governor remains a highly placed office and that whoever occupies it deserves respect despite partisan differences.
However, Wike responded strongly, warning the APC national secretary to refrain from interfering in Rivers politics and declaring the state off limits to external political interference.
He said those who ignored the advice could face unpleasant consequences and urged Basiru to learn from past incidents involving others who attempted similar actions.
Wike further stated that individuals who come to Rivers State because of financial interests and then speak carelessly should be ready to face the outcome of their actions.
The FCT minister also warned the APC secretary not to take for granted the political support he extends to President Bola Tinubu.
RESIGN NOW AND FACE OBSESSION WITH RIVERS POLITICS
In a statement on Monday, Basiru said Wike lacks any legitimate authority to meddle in the affairs of the ruling party since he is not a registered member.
He maintained that only individuals who officially belong to the APC have the right to discuss or influence the party’s internal activities.
The APC national secretary also dismissed Wike’s insinuation that his interest in Rivers State was driven by its alleged N600 billion government allocation, stressing that he has always acted with integrity and conviction.
“From my record, he (Wike) isn’t a member of APC,” Basiru said.
“I don’t see which authority or temerity he has to be dabbling in APC affairs.
“I am the National Secretary of APC and I don’t see any basis for him to be making comments about my activities either in Rivers State or in any part of Nigeria.
“As the National Secretary of the party, my activities aren’t confined to Osun State, contrary to his wrong impression.
“I am the head of the National Secretariat of the APC, so he has no locus whatsoever to engage me in any political activity that concerns the APC until he joins the party.”
The APC national secretary dismissed claims that he is attracted to Rivers State because of its alleged N600 billion allocation, describing the allegation as baseless and mischievous.
“Secondly, I take strong exception to his allusion that I am interested in the N600 billion allocations of Rivers State,” he stated.
“My records of service are those of integrity and commitment to service.
“I am not an opportunist, and I have never shied away from taking principled positions on any matter, no matter whose ox is gored.”
Basiru said he was unfazed by what he termed veiled threats from the minister, insisting that his political background had prepared him to withstand intimidation.
“My records as national secretary are above board, and I can’t be queried by somebody who isn’t a member of APC,” he said.
“Finally, my advice to him is that he should resign as minister and face his obsession with Rivers politics.”