Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a strong warning to the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, over his comments on the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. Wike cautioned Basiru to stay away from Rivers politics, describing the state as a “no-go area” for political actors he considers outsiders.
Wike gave the warning while addressing supporters in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State. His remarks followed public comments by Basiru in support of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, amid the political tension rocking the state.
The former Rivers governor accused Basiru of interfering in matters that do not concern him and warned that such actions could have consequences. He also said that Rivers leaders should not be taken for granted, especially given their role in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 general election.
“Don’t take our support for Mr President for granted. You have to be very careful with the statements you make,” Wike said.
In a strongly worded message delivered partly in pidgin, Wike declared Rivers State off-limits to external political interference.
“When Mr President comes back, when I see the Minister of Blue Economy, I will tell them to tell him – if carry your hand to Rivers State, if your hand burns, don’t say na me burn am,” he said.
Wike went further to stress that Rivers State has a history of resisting political interference and that those who tried it in the past did not succeed.
“I can challenge anybody. This state is a no-go area whether you like it or not. Go and ask those who have tried it before. You open your mouth to talk about Rivers State, anything you see, take it,” he added.
The warning marks the latest exchange in a growing war of words between Wike and Basiru, both influential figures in national politics. Only days earlier, Basiru had criticised Wike and advised him to resign as FCT minister if he wanted to continue what he described as an “obsession” with Rivers State politics.
Basiru had also questioned Wike’s involvement in APC matters, insisting that the former Rivers governor is not a registered member of the ruling party and therefore has no authority to speak on its affairs. He further dismissed claims that his interest in Rivers politics was driven by financial motives linked to the state’s large revenues.
The political tension is happening against the background of a serious crisis in Rivers State involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly. The crisis, which started in late 2023, led to divisions within the assembly, impeachment threats, and concerns about governance in the oil-rich state.
Many political observers believe the crisis is linked to a power struggle between Wike and Governor Fubara, who was once considered Wike’s political ally. After leaving office in 2023, Wike was widely seen as playing a key role in Fubara’s emergence as governor. However, their relationship later broke down, leading to open political confrontation.
Rivers State is one of Nigeria’s most politically important states due to its oil wealth, strong political structures, and long history of intense political competition. Control of the state has often attracted national attention, with major parties and political figures closely watching developments there.
Wike, known for his tough political style and strong grassroots support, has repeatedly warned against attempts to weaken his influence in the state. Since becoming FCT minister under President Tinubu, he has remained a central figure in Rivers politics despite now serving at the federal level.
His appointment as FCT minister was controversial, especially as he remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while serving in an APC-led government. This unusual political arrangement has continued to generate debate about party loyalty and political alliances in Nigeria.
In his latest remarks, Wike accused unnamed political actors of making what he called “unnecessary noise” about Rivers politics and advised them to focus on their own areas.
“So take the one you have taken. Stop making unnecessary noise,” he said.
Senator Basiru’s earlier comments backing Governor Fubara were seen by many as an attempt by the APC leadership to assert influence in Rivers State, especially amid the crisis between the governor and lawmakers loyal to Wike.
Basiru had argued that Governor Fubara deserved support and that political stability in Rivers State was important for national development. However, Wike’s response suggests that such support is viewed as interference by some powerful local actors.
The dispute has also raised questions about the relationship between the federal government and Rivers State, especially considering the role Rivers leaders played in the 2023 presidential election. Wike was a key figure in the G-5 governors who opposed the PDP presidential candidate and openly supported Tinubu.
Wike’s warning that Rivers support should not be taken for granted appears to be a reminder of this political contribution and a signal that Rivers leaders expect respect and recognition.
For now, the exchange between Wike and Basiru reflects the wider struggle for power, influence, and control in Rivers State and within Nigeria’s political space. It also highlights the challenges of managing political relationships across party lines in a system where alliances often shift.
As the Rivers crisis continues, many Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the federal government, the APC leadership, and key political actors like Wike and Basiru handle the situation. Whether the warnings and counter-warnings will lead to dialogue or deeper conflict remains to be seen.
What is clear is that Rivers State remains a major battleground in Nigerian politics, and developments there will likely continue to shape national political discussions in the months ahead.