By Rabiu MUSA, Abuja
In a bid to uphold and sustain the over the years political permutation and structures, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has vowed to resist any attempt to tamper with his political structure in the State.
The Minister of Federal Capital Territory disclosed this information when he hosted members of the Rivers State caucus of the National Assembly, who paid him a solidarity courtesy visit.
Recall that the once sweet political marriage between Wike and his successor as governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has hit the rock which occasioned the impeachment moves against the governor and the burning of the State House of Assembly complex.
In his remarks, when he hosted members of the National Assembly, Wike, said, “Am not interested in the governance of the state because my hands are full in my new job as FCT minister.”
He frowned, ” I will not allow anyone to destroy the political structures I have built for years.”
His words: “I am not interested in the governance of Rivers State. Am here as Governor in FCT, I am interested in the political structure we’ve built over the years in Rivers state.”
He asserted, “Anybody who tried it will get the resistance of his life. Anybody who puts his hands in Rivers state political structures, what you see, you see.”
On his alleged monthly payment from the state government, the Minister, said, “I was governor for eight years. I am now FCT minister, not just minister, and some will say that I am asking for 25 percent; that is madness. Those who make such claims are ignorant.”
He added, “People should learn to appreciate those who, in one way or another, contributed to their lives, charging the lawmakers not to disappoint the state and the country.”
Wike reiterated, “Those of you that God has given the opportunity don’t disappoint your state, don’t disappoint Nigerians. When you make a mistake, we will call you to order. Take it in good faith; don’t say we are coming for kickbacks.”
Earlier in his speech, the leader of the delegation, the House of Representatives minority leader, Kingsley Chinda, said, “The caucus visited to show solidarity and declare their unalloyed support for the FCT minister and to express appreciation to President Tinubu for appointing Wike as FCT minister.”
He added, “We thank you for invaluable support for all of us. You supported us all through the primaries. You are the reason why we are in the National Assembly today.”
Members of the Rivers State National Assembly Caucus that visited Wike were all three senators from Rivers State and 11 House of Representatives members:
They are Senator Barinada Mingi, Sen. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, who was deputy governor to Wike when he was governor and Sen. Allwell Onyeso.
The Rep members in attendance were Hon. Felix Nwike, Hon. Boniface Emerungwa, Blessing Emezureke, Victor Onozor, Dum Deakor, Solomon Bob, Kelechi Nworgu, Kingsley China and others.
