PORT HARCOURT — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, has made it clear that he will not obstruct the Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule, from fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities. Speaking at a civic reception held in his honor at Abalama Town in the Kalabari Kingdom—an event organized by NEW Associates—Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, attributed the state’s ongoing political crisis to the actions of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo. Wike’s Response to Political Opposition Addressing a large crowd of supporters, Wike dismissed threats from certain individuals, emphasizing that their influence was exaggerated. “I heard some people saying I wouldn’t come here. Who are they? How many are they? Today’s event proves that all the noise on the radio does not reflect reality. If you are from Kalabari and the Ijaw nation and you are here welcoming me today, may God bless you. I will always stand by you and offer my support.” Clarification on Ijaw Minority Controversy Wike also refuted claims that he referred to the Ijaw people as a minority in Rivers State, stating that his words had been deliberately misconstrued. “Some people have twisted my statements to suit their agenda. What I said was that unity was crucial in our decision-making process. Without unity, selecting the governor would have been difficult. Chief Alabraba, along with OCJ Okocha, Sergeant Awuse, and Celestine Omehia, played key roles in those discussions. In fact, on the day of the primary election, the current governor initially refused to run and instead suggested that my Finance Commissioner, Isaac Kamalu, should be the candidate.” Assembly Salaries and Constitutional Authority Wike alleged that some of the governor’s advisers encouraged him to withhold the salaries and allowances of Assembly members for over a year, leading to financial difficulties for them and their families. “They told you to stop paying Assembly members’ salaries and allowances for over a year, leaving them struggling to feed their families or pay their children’s school fees. You rejoiced and believed those misleading you, thinking nothing would happen. But now, reality has set in. “I will not interfere with the Assembly’s work. They must be allowed to fulfill their constitutional duties. People who desire peace do not issue threats. “I previously warned that Assembly members would not lose their seats and that the actions taken against local government officials were unconstitutional. You don’t need to be a governor to recognize what is illegal. We fight through due process, not lawlessness.” Wike on Governance and Loyalty Wike emphasized that his concerns were never about financial gain but about loyalty and governance. “We simply said that Assembly members, local government chairmen, and National Assembly members worked tirelessly to make you governor—do not abandon them. But some people spread rumors that I was asking for money. Has the money come? Those who advised you to distribute funds, how far have they taken you? “Yesterday, I was labeled a bad person, a crook, and a criminal. But it was that same ‘bad man’ who defied the odds to make you governor. If I were against the Ijaw people, I wouldn’t have supported your candidacy. I believe in fairness and justice.” Advisers and the Role of Money in Politics Wike further criticized those surrounding the governor, calling them “natural ingrates” and warning that wealth alone cannot sustain political success. “If you are not ungrateful, you wouldn’t support what is happening. I advised the governor to govern peacefully and avoid unnecessary conflicts, but his advisers convinced him otherwise, telling him, ‘You are the governor, you have money.’ Yes, money is important, but it is not everything. These advisers have nothing meaningful to contribute. Now, look at the situation—how far?” Recognition from Kalabari Leaders The chairman of the occasion, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, commended Wike for his political wisdom and unwavering support for the Ijaw people. “Wike has worked tirelessly to resolve the political crisis in Rivers State, taking the matter to the Supreme Court. We hope peace will return to the state through these legal efforts. “We stand with you and believe in collaboration as a powerful tool for progress. Your contributions to Kalabari land will be remembered for generations.” Conclusion As the political landscape in Rivers State continues to evolve, Wike has reaffirmed his commitment to upholding constitutional processes and advocating for justice and fairness in governance. Read more about the political developments in Rivers State READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
A coalition of opposition lawmakers has sounded the alarm over an alleged scheme by pro-Wike legislators to obstruct the upcoming local government elections in Rivers State. According to reports, these lawmakers are allegedly using questionable legislative tactics and court injunctions to interfere with the electoral process. Opposition Lawmakers Expose Alleged Election Disruption Plot Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP – Imo State) accused lawmakers aligned with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, of making deliberate attempts to stall the electoral process and hinder the implementation of the 2025 Rivers State budget, despite a Supreme Court ruling upholding the process. Ugochinyere alleged that these legislators are working towards amending the Local Government Administration Law to reinstate former local government chairmen whose tenure has ended. “Their goal is clear—to prevent the elections from happening so that these former LGA chairmen can retain their positions beyond their lawful tenure. However, we want to assure the people of Rivers State that the elections will proceed as scheduled by the electoral commission. No illegal amendment will stop the process.” The opposition further revealed that pro-Wike lawmakers were allegedly planning to secure a court order to halt the elections, mirroring previous legal obstructions used to destabilize governance in the state. Rivers State Governance at Risk Due to Budget Boycott Ugochinyere also accused these lawmakers of deliberately avoiding the 2025 budget presentation, thereby crippling governance. “The Governor invited the House of Assembly members for discussions—something Wike himself would never do. Despite this, they boycotted the meeting and ignored his calls. The Speaker refused to respond, further proving that their main agenda is to create instability and hardship for the people of Rivers State.” Despite these obstacles, he commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his efforts to uphold the Supreme Court ruling and maintain peace. According to him, Fubara has remained committed to governance and reconciliation despite ongoing political provocations. Accusations Against Wike and the Fight to Protect Democracy The lawmakers accused Wike of attempting to maintain political dominance over Rivers State rather than prioritizing development and stability. “Wike is not interested in peace or progress; his main concern is control. Since he is no longer in charge, he wants to halt all progress. The crisis surrounding local government elections and the Assembly conflicts are all part of his broader strategy to hold the state hostage.” The opposition vowed that the people of Rivers State would resist any anti-democratic actions aimed at destabilizing the state. They urged citizens to stay vigilant and protect democratic institutions. “We are nearing the resolution of this crisis, which is why certain political actors are becoming more desperate. However, the people are standing firm. Our party leaders, governors, and the National Working Committee are working together to end this political chaos. Rivers State will not be destabilized.” The lawmakers reaffirmed their unwavering support for Governor Fubara and urged the opposition to adhere to democratic principles rather than resorting to unconstitutional maneuvers. Premium Times – Rivers State Political News READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
