Resign as Minister to focus on Rivers politics – APC scribe claps back at Wike

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, has hit back at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, asking him to resign his ministerial appointment and concentrate on what he described as his “obsession” with Rivers State politics.

Basiru said he was unfazed by what he termed veiled threats from Wike, insisting that his political background and history of activism had prepared him to withstand intimidation from any quarters.

The APC scribe had, in an earlier interview with Sunday PUNCH, openly declared his support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara amid the lingering political crisis between the governor and Wike. He also cautioned the party’s South-South Chairman, Victor Giadom, against making derogatory remarks about Fubara or any sitting governor, stressing that members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC) must remain neutral in internal disputes.

However, Wike, during a “thank-you” visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State on Monday, warned Basiru to stay away from Rivers politics, alleging that some political actors were motivated by the state’s financial resources.

Reacting in a statement personally signed on Monday, Basiru dismissed Wike’s comments, stating that the former Rivers governor had no authority to interfere in the affairs of the ruling party, as he is not a member of the APC.

“My advice to him is simple: he should resign as Minister and face his obsession with Rivers politics,” Basiru said.

He stressed that as the National Secretary of the APC, his responsibilities extend across the entire country and are not limited to Osun State, contrary to Wike’s assertions.

“I am the National Secretary of the APC and head of the National Secretariat. I do not see any basis whatsoever for him to dabble into my activities in Rivers State or anywhere else in Nigeria,” Basiru stated.

Basiru further rejected allegations suggesting he had an interest in Rivers State funds, describing such claims as baseless and inconsistent with his record of public service.

“I take strong exception to the insinuation that I am interested in Rivers State’s N600 billion. My record is one of integrity and principled service. I am not an opportunist,” he said.

The APC scribe added that his history of confronting military dictatorship had prepared him for political pressure, insisting that he would not be bullied by anyone, regardless of status or influence.

“I cannot be intimidated by anybody, no matter how highly placed. My records are clear, and I cannot be queried by someone who is not a member of the APC,” Basiru concluded.

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