The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that he is not interfering in the affairs of the Rivers State House of Assembly, emphasizing that lawmakers should be free to carry out their constitutional duties.
Speaking at a Thanksgiving and Civic Reception in Abalama, Asari-Toru Local Government Area, Wike criticized Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his handling of the ongoing political crisis in the state. The event was organized by Ijaw stakeholders under the New Associates Kalabari group in Wike’s honor.
Addressing the crowd, Wike expressed disappointment that Fubara had ignored his advice and chosen to align with individuals he described as “ungrateful.”
“I advised the governor that the approach he is taking is not in his best interest. But he surrounded himself with people who told him, ‘You are the governor, you have money.’ Yes, he has money, but money isn’t everything. Where are those people now?” Wike asked.
He revealed that during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries, Fubara initially declined to contest and had supported his then-Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu, to secure the party’s ticket.
Wike stated that his only wrongdoing was advising Fubara to support those who contributed to his rise to power.
“What was our mistake? We only asked him to take care of the council chairmen, Assembly members, and National Assembly representatives who worked hard for his election. That was my only offense,” he said.
The former governor also criticized Fubara’s decision to withhold the salaries and allowances of the 27 lawmakers led by Martin Amaewhule, arguing that such actions had now backfired.
“You stopped their salaries and allowances for over a year, leaving them unable to pay school fees or feed their families, and you celebrated. People encouraged you, and you thought nothing would happen. But now, you see the consequences,” Wike remarked.
He further claimed that most of the key projects currently ongoing in Rivers State, including the Ring Road, were initiated by his administration.
“Many of the projects you see today were started by me and handed over to him. Let him name one project that he initiated himself,” Wike challenged.
Dismissing criticisms directed at him, Wike stated that insults do not bother him.
“You can insult me all you want. It doesn’t affect me. What matters is the result. Who is struggling with high blood pressure now? Not us. We are relaxed and enjoying, while they are the ones worried,” he said.
Reaffirming his stance on the legislative situation, Wike insisted that the Rivers Assembly must be allowed to function independently.
“I won’t stop the Assembly from performing its constitutional duties. People who truly want peace don’t issue threats. The Assembly should do whatever is necessary within the law, and I won’t interfere,” he declared.
