A crisis has broken out between Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary Senator Ajibola Bashiru
The party chief and the minister are at daggers drawn over allegation of meddlesomeness in the affairs of the ruling party.
The national secretary chided Wike, a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), for making an uncomplimentary remark about Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who last month joined the APC.
He also accused Wike of making unfounded allegations on financial gratification.
He went ahead to advise him to quit as minister to face River’s politics.
Although, Wike remains in PDP as leader of one of the factions. He has repeatedly emphasized his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election.
Wike has been on a thank you visit to council secretariats in the state where he has made comments about Governor Fubara’s fitness to retain his seat.
He has used the visit to rally support for President Tinubu in what observers see as a popularity test by the minister, who controls all the levers of power in the state.
However, some of his comments he made have drawn the ire of Basiru who took exception to them.
Wike fired back at him and the party chief responded all within hours yesterday.
Basiru, who also attacked National Vice Chairman, South of the APC, Victor Giadom for “disrespecting” Fubara, said in a statement: “I take exception to Wike’s reference to a certain N600 billion largesse in the state for which I and other APC leaders are scrambling. This is nothing but cheap blackmail, which has become his stock-in-trade.
“My background, track record is that of unquestionable integrity, and I challenge him to prove his allegations, or we may meet in court.
“As to his veiled threat against me, let me remind Wike that he is not God and may be overplaying his political card. My faith is in God and will not succumb to cheap threats such as the one from Wike.
“I am one of the young Nigerians that confronted military rule, fighting for democracy, when the likes of Wike were nowhere in sight.”
Basiru said Wike’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not automatically make him a member of the APC.
He stressed: “Millions of non-APC Nigerians also support Mr. President and his own is no different. His attempt to destabilise our party in Rivers State will not be tolerated, and he cannot bring the spirit of PDP into the APC. “
On Giadom, the former Osun Central Senator said: “I find it unfortunate that a member of the NWC was referring to a governor in our party as a ‘so-called governor of Rivers State.’
“The office of the governor is an exalted position, and whoever is occupying it must be respected, irrespective of whatever political differences you have.”
But Basiru said Wike’s reaction to his earlier warning was uncalled for, stressing that he was only carrying out the responsibility of protecting the interests of the APC, its members and structures.
He wondered why a minister, who is not a member of the party, should challenge his person and office.
Basiru said: “For the avoidance of doubt, our records indicate that Minister Nyesom Wike is not a member of our party (APC). So, he lacks the locus to dabble into the affairs our party.”
He said Wike cannot be in the Federal Executive Council (FEC) of an APC government and at the same time be causing confusion within any organ or structure of the party at any level, using the leverage of that same office.
Basiru added: “As National Secretary of the APC, I am imbued with the responsibility to protect the interests of the party and all its members and structures. Hence, my comments regarding the affairs of the APC in Rivers State cannot be an undue interference in the affairs of Rivers State. As National Secretary, my activities cannot be confined to my home state, Osun State.”
Basiru said Wike should resign and face Rivers politics because he is interested in the resources of the state.
Wike to Basiru: Stay clear of Rivers politics
Wike said the national secretary should “leave Rivers State alone” and be careful about the statements he makes.
He gave the warning during his “thank-you” visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area, where he alleged that some APC members had received some funds from the N600 billion left in the state’s coffers.
Wike said Rivers is a “no-go area,” urging Basiru to learn from those who previously tried to meddle in politics and got their hands burnt.
He said: “Let me warn those who come to Rivers State. Because you have heard that we have N600 billion, you come here, you collect, and you open your mouth to talk anyhow.
“I say it here, take this message to your National Secretary. Leave Rivers State alone. Go and ask those who have done it before. Don’t take our support for Mr President for granted. You have to be careful with statements you make.
Today, you are enjoying in Osun
You don’t know those who did the work. You are opening your mouth to talk about Rivers State. Anything you see, take it.
“Go and ask other people what had happened to them before. If your hand burns, no be me burn am o. This state is a no-go area. Take the one you have taken, stop making unnecessary comments.”