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
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