By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
As the FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike takes his “thank you” visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, he has warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, to avoid Rivers State politics, adding that he should be mindful of his utterances.
Wike, who told Ajibola Basiru to “leave Rivers State alone”, alleged that the APC had received some funds from the N600 billion sum left in the state’s coffers.
Wike challenged the party leader, warning that the state was a “no-go area.”
The former Rivers State governor asked the secretary to learn from those who previously tried to meddle in Rivers State politics, stating that he could not blame anyone if his hands got burned.
“Let me warn those who come to Rivers State, because you have heard that we have N600bn, you come here, you collect, and you open your mouth to talk anyhow.”
“I say it here, take this message to your National Secretary: leave Rivers State alone. Go and ask those who have done it before. Don’t take our support for Mr. President for granted. You have to be careful with statements you make.”
“Today, you are enjoying yourself in Osun; you don’t know those who did the work. You are opening your mouth to talk about Rivers State. Anything you see, take it.”
“Go and ask other people what has happened to them before. If your hand burns, don’t blame me, no be me burn am o. This state is a no-go area. Take the one you have taken; stop making unnecessary comments,” Wike warned.
Meanwhile, the APC Vice Chairman South South) had
described Governor Siminalayi Fubara as “the so-called Governor” during the minister’s visit to Khana/Gokana Local Government Area.
Recall that APC South-South Chairman had stated that Fubara could not win a second term in the state without going through Wike.
Meanwhile, the Renewed Hope Ambassador for Rivers State, Amb. Desmond Akawor, has blamed Fubara for stalling development in Oyigbo Local Government since his inauguration as governor, insisting that the LGA must get its fair share of the N600 billion left in the state’s account.
“We elected Governor Siminalayi Fubara with the expectation that Oyigbo would benefit meaningfully from development.”
“Your Excellency, development in Oyigbo has stalled. We have not moved an inch forward. The only tangible benefit Oyigbo has received is a slot for commissioner, which was given to me. Beyond that, nothing substantial has come to our people.”
“There is talk about N600 billion. Let us be clear, we are not here to argue figures. But Oyigbo people must not be excluded. If N40 billion was allocated across groups, Oyigbo must not be shortchanged. We are not asking for favors; we are asking for fairness,” Akawor stressed.
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