The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, has challenged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to resign his ministerial position and focus on what he described as an obsession with Rivers State politics.
Basiru said he was not intimidated by what he termed veiled threats from the minister, noting that his political background had equipped him to withstand pressure and intimidation.
The APC scribe had earlier declared support for Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, amid the ongoing political standoff between the governor and Wike. He also warned the APC’s South-South Chairman, Victor Giadom, against making derogatory comments about Fubara or any other governor, stressing that members of the party’s National Working Committee should remain neutral in political crises.
During a “thank-you” visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State on Monday, Wike warned Basiru to stay out of the state’s political affairs. He accused unnamed politicians of coming to Rivers State to benefit from its resources and then making reckless statements, urging Basiru to “leave Rivers State alone.”
Reacting in a statement personally signed on Monday, Basiru said Wike lacked the authority to interfere in the affairs of the ruling party, pointing out that the FCT minister is not a member of the APC.
“My advice to him is that he should resign as minister and face his obsession with Rivers politics,” Basiru said.
He maintained that, as National Secretary, he has the mandate to oversee party affairs nationwide, dismissing Wike’s comments as misplaced.
“From my records, he isn’t a member of the APC. I don’t see what authority he has to dabble into APC affairs. As National Secretary, my responsibilities are not limited to any single state,” Basiru stated.
Basiru also rejected allegations suggesting he was interested in Rivers State’s finances, describing such claims as baseless and inconsistent with his record of service.
“I take strong exception to the allusion that I am interested in Rivers State’s allocations. My public service record reflects integrity and principled leadership. I cannot be bullied by anyone, no matter how highly placed,” he said.
He concluded by insisting that his actions as APC National Secretary remain above board and beyond the scrutiny of non-members of the party.
