Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, to stay away from Rivers State politics, describing the state as a “no go area” for meddlers.
Wike delivered the message during a “thank you” visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area, escalating tensions within the APC over internal party squabbles. The admonition came in response to Basiru’s Sunday statement urging APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, to stop disrespecting Governor Siminalayi Fubara to curry favour with Wike.
Basiru’s remarks followed Giadom’s controversial December 30, 2025, comments in Gokana Local Government Area, where he dubbed Fubara a “so-called governor” and insisted the governor could win nothing in Rivers without Wike’s backing.
Speaking to supporters in Oyigbo, Wike tasked Giadom with relaying the message directly. “Tell your National Secretary to leave Rivers alone. Go and ask those who have tried it before and don’t take our support for Mr President for granted,” Wike declared. He added a vivid caution: “Carry your hand to Rivers State, if your hand burns, don’t say na me burn am.”
Wike further dismissed politicians eyeing an alleged N600 billion in the state treasury, reminding them of Rivers people’s solitary support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 elections. “When we agreed to support Tinubu in 2023, nobody forced us. Now food is ready and everybody is coming… Leave Rivers State alone,” he warned, vowing that interlopers should “take the one you have taken and stop making unnecessary comments.”
Local leaders rallied behind Wike. Oyigbo Local Government Chairman, Okechukwu Agara, pledged unwavering loyalty: “For all that you have done for us, we will continue to support you. Just say the word, we will hear and will do exactly what you want us to do.”
Representative Felix Nweke (Tai, Oyigbo, Eleme Federal Constituency) echoed the sentiment, lamenting stalled development since Wike’s exit as governor in 2023. Ambassador Desmond Akawor, Chairman of Renewed Hope in Rivers State, expressed optimism for change by 2027 amid the area’s “unfortunate” stagnation
