Prominent elders in Rivers State have cautioned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against attempts to undermine Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s political future, warning him not to play God with the destiny of the people.
Speaking under the aegis of the State Elders and Leaders Council, the pioneer spokesperson of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, accused Wike of fueling political tension and seeking to block Fubara’s re-election.
“The minister has said that Fubara joining the APC does not guarantee him an automatic ticket, and it looks as if he is trying to block Fubara from getting re-elected. But Wike can try his best; it is the people who will decide who becomes the governor. It is the electorate that will decide,” Sara-Igbe told Sunday Punch.
The elder statesman cautioned Wike to reflect on past political figures who lost influence after overreaching their authority.
“My advice is that he should learn from Malami (former Minister of Justice) and others. He should remember that a day will come when the tide will be against him,” he added.
Also speaking, another member of the elders’ council, Chief Asukewe Iko-Awaji, dismissed Wike’s claim that Fubara’s position in the APC does not guarantee him a second term.
“The only person who has the power to stop Fubara is God. So, what Wike is saying is just a cock-and-bull story,” Iko-Awaji said.
He blamed the ongoing political crisis for the state’s governance setbacks and condemned Wike’s conduct.
“We have lost six months of democratic governance. We are six months behind every other state because of Wike’s immaturity. Rivers people will never forget the man who did that to them. So, if he brings any candidate, we will reject him and his candidate,” Iko-Awaji declared.