The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Bashiru, telling him to stay out of Rivers State politics.
Wike’s outburst followed comments by Bashiru criticizing the APC South-South National Vice Chairman, Victor Giadom, who had described Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara as a “so-called governor” during Wike’s recent thank-you visit to Gokana Local Government Area.
Reacting via Facebook, Bashiru faulted Giadom’s choice of words, describing them as disrespectful to both the office of governor and the APC as a party. He stressed that political disagreements should not justify insulting elected officials.
“I find it unfortunate that a member of the NWC, who is the Vice Chairman of the South-South zone of the APC, was referring to a governor in our party as a ‘so-called governor of Rivers State’,” Bashiru said, adding that “elected offices must be accorded due respect.”
He further noted that regardless of political loyalties, such remarks were unbecoming of someone occupying a sensitive party position and should not be encouraged.
However, speaking at a rally in Oyigbo, Rivers State, Wike responded aggressively, warning Bashiru to be cautious with his statements and threatening to escalate the matter to the Minister of Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola.
“Don’t take our support for President Tinubu for granted. You have to be very careful with the statements you make,” Wike said. “You are opening your mouth to talk about Rivers State. Anything you see, take it. Carry your hand to Rivers State—if your hand burns, don’t say na me burn am. This state is a no-go area.”
Wike also hinted at consequences should Bashiru continue commenting on Rivers politics, declaring that he could “challenge anybody” over control of the state.
The latest clash underscores the deepening political crisis in Rivers State, where Wike and Governor Fubara have been locked in a bitter power struggle. Wike, who played a key role in Fubara’s emergence as governor, has accused him of betraying their political agreement, even after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state.
Wike has also insisted that Governor Fubara’s reported move to the APC does not guarantee him the party’s ticket in the 2027 governorship election, further fuelling tensions within the ruling party.