Pull down Rivers political structure and face crisis — Wike

…As NASS Caucus backs minister, declares loyalty

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has again insisted that he is not interested in the governance affairs in his home state, Rivers, mentioning that his duty as the Minister of the FCT, suffices much as a governor.

Wike, however, noted that in as much as he was “not interested in the governance of Rivers State” he was much interested in the political structure of the State “which we have built for years,” emphasising he would not take it likely with anyone who seeks to pull down the structure.

Wike made the declaration on Thursday when he received the Rivers State Caucus of the 10th National Assembly.

The caucus, led by Senator Barinada Mpigi, representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency on  the occasion  declared support for the minister.

Following recent political crises in Rivers State, there had been allegations from some quarters that Wike was working to oust the State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, using the State Assembly.

At the meeting, Wike said; “You that we have given this opportunity to, don’t go and disappoint your state. When you make mistakes, we will call you that you are making a mistake, take it in good faith that we are calling your attention because we think that you are derailing. When we call you, don’t say we are expecting a kickback from you of 25 percent, or so and so percent.

“I thought that all of us are one. We have built this political structure for long. Since 2015 we have emerged victorious. As the opposition party from 2015, I saw hell. The Federal Government fought me left right and centre, but with your support, we survived. When you work as a team, you will discover that it is difficult for an outsider to defeat you at home.

“I am not interested in the governance of Rivers State. I am not interested. I am here sitting as a governor, (with) all the functions I have. But I am interested in the political structure of Rivers State which we have built for years.

“If anybody dares to bring it down, the person will face the crisis he wants in his life. Perform or don’t perform, but don’t touch our political structure. Anybody who puts his hand in our structure, anything you see, take it,” he said.

Earlier, Hon. Chinda, who spoke on behalf of the group, said the purpose of the visit was to show solidarity with the Minister and to thank him for his support during the elections.

He said the Minister’s appointment was well deserved, adding that Wike was “the important factor” responsible for their seats in the National Assembly.

“We thank you for your invaluable support for all of us. You supported us all through the primaries. You are the reason why we are in the National Assembly today,” he said.

Commending Wike, they noted that in barely three months, Wike has changed the face of the FCT for his performance, just the way he did in Rivers State.

They also condemned the political crisis in Rivers State and declared their total support for Wike.

Members of the caucus who visited Wike were all three senators from Rivers State and 11 House of Representatives members. They are Senator Barinada Mingi, Sen. Ipalibo Harry Banigo who was deputy governor to Wike when he was governor and Sen. Allwell Onyeso.

The Rep members in attendance were: Honey. Felix Nwike, Hon. Boniface Emerungwa, Blessing Emezureke, Victor Onozor, Fun Deakor, Solomon Bob, Kelechi Nworgu, Kingsley China, Hart Cyril Goodwill and Allison Anderson.