Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that he will not interfere with the constitutional duties of the Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly, amid ongoing political tensions in the state.
Wike also responded to criticism from the youth wing of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), which issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding an apology for his disparaging remarks about the Ijaw nation. He refuted claims that he had insulted the Ijaw, explaining that his comments were misinterpreted and were in no way meant to belittle the ethnic group.
At a Thanksgiving and Civic Reception organized by his political movement, NEW Associates, Wike mocked detractors who claimed he would be barred from attending the event and thanked the Kalabari and Ijaw people for welcoming him. He clarified his earlier comments about the Ijaw and Kalabari nations, stressing that unity among different groups helped in the selection of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
“I heard some people argue that I wouldn’t be here today. Who are they? What you have done today is to tell the world that all this noise over the radio is not the real thing. If you are of the Kalabari and Ijaw nations and you are receiving me today, God will continue to bless you,” Wike said.
Wike also criticized Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, accusing him of inciting the ongoing crisis in the state, while claiming that the crisis started due to an ex parte order involving local government chairmen and the assembly members' defections. He said the political turbulence was a result of “greedy” politicians around Governor Fubara, suggesting that some were trying to destabilize the state.
Meanwhile, PANDEF has threatened to take action if Wike fails to apologize for his remarks about the Ijaw within the specified period. The group’s president, Doben Donyegha, expressed disappointment over Wike’s disrespect to late Chief Edwin Clark’s legacy and warned that such actions would hurt President Bola Tinubu’s support in the region. PANDEF also criticized Wike’s past behavior, citing an incident where he insulted respected traditional rulers.
Donyegha stated, "We have no confidence in Wike. We are calling on President Tinubu to withdraw him as a minister and subject him to the investigation of the Code of Conduct Bureau for breaching various infractions in office."
Wike’s comments and PANDEF's response highlight the ongoing tensions in Rivers State, with both local and regional political dynamics playing a significant role in the evolving situation.
