By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) , Barr. Nyesom Wike on Wednesday told Governors of the People Democratic Party that he cannot be intimidated against any tampering with the political structure in Rivers state.
The Minister made the statement after a closed-door meeting with members of the PDP Governors’ Forum led by Chairman and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, accompanied by Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Muftwang, and Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas on a courtesy visit to the minister in his office.
Crisis had erupted in Rivers State on Monday, after an attempt by the Rivers State Assembly, to impeach the incumbent Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike while addressing the PDP Governors, said he would not be intimidated, adding that impeachment moves were not equivalent to a military coup, but was a provision in the country’s Constitution.
He however dismissed rumours of interest in monies belonging to Rivers state, adding that nobody could take away the political structure in the state.
“Nobody can intimidate me. If I want to do something, I will do it. Impeachment is not a military coup; it is provided under the Constitution. I’m not interested in all the rumours, money, this, and that. Rubbish. Absolute rubbish. I just left office how many months ago? And I’m FCT Minister, so which money? ”
“But nobody can take away our political structure. No one. You cannot work and people will begin to bring enemies, those who fought you when you were struggling for the person to be in office. Nobody does that. I’m not a political ingrate, but don’t touch the political structure of the state. I will not shut my eyes”, Wike said.
The minister appreciated the Governor’s Forum for the courtesy visit and appreciated President Bola Tinubu for the privilege to serve as FCT Minister, while reiterating his support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Earlier, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed thanked Wike for his willingness to resolve issues, noting that the Forum had “waded into the matter”, which showed the importance of Rivers State.
He also commended the President Tinubu for the appointment of Wike as FCT Minister, as his antecedents spoke volumes about his ability to lead.