A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and well-known political commentator, Joe Igbokwe, has criticised the growing public dispute between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the National Secretary of the ruling APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, describing it as unnecessary and avoidable.
Igbokwe’s reaction followed a series of sharp exchanges between Wike and Basiru over the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State and the position of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The disagreement has drawn national attention and raised concerns within political circles about rising tension and distractions at a time when the country faces serious governance and economic challenges.
In a post on his Facebook page, Igbokwe said the verbal war between the two senior political figures was “totally uncalled for” and warned that such public confrontations could damage both personal reputations and party unity.
“The altercations between Hon. Minister FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the National Secretary APC Nigeria, Ajibola Basiru, are totally uncalled for and unnecessary. It is a needless distraction,” Igbokwe wrote.
He added a cautionary note, using a proverb to stress the danger of acting out of anger.
“If out of annoyance you remove your cap and throw it away, a made man will pick it up and use it forever. Let the misunderstanding cease to exist now,” he said.
The dispute began after renewed political tension between Wike and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, escalated in recent weeks. Governor Fubara and Wike, who was his predecessor and political benefactor, have been locked in a power struggle that has affected governance in the oil-rich state.
The crisis has led to divisions in the Rivers State House of Assembly, protests by political supporters, and concerns about stability in the state. At different times, the federal government and national political leaders have been urged to intervene to restore calm.
Against this background, Senator Ajibola Basiru, the APC National Secretary, publicly expressed support for Governor Fubara. Basiru’s comments were seen by many as an attempt by the APC leadership to back constitutional order and discourage political pressure on the sitting governor.
However, Wike reacted strongly to Basiru’s remarks. Speaking during an event in Rivers State on Monday, the FCT minister warned Basiru to stay away from Rivers politics, describing the state as a “no-go area” for outsiders.
Wike, known for his blunt language and strong political style, cautioned that those who interfere in Rivers affairs should be ready to face the consequences. His comments, partly delivered in pidgin English, quickly spread across social media and news platforms.
In response, Basiru issued a statement in which he fired back at Wike. The APC secretary advised the former Rivers governor to resign as FCT minister if he wanted to continue what he described as an “obsession” with Rivers State politics.
Basiru also questioned Wike’s authority to speak on APC matters, noting that Wike is not a registered member of the ruling party, despite serving in an APC-led federal government. He insisted that party affairs should be handled by elected party officials, not outsiders.
The exchange has further exposed the complex political relationships that emerged after the 2023 general elections. Wike, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), played a major role in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC during the election. His support helped the APC gain ground in Rivers State, traditionally a PDP stronghold.
Following Tinubu’s victory, Wike was appointed as FCT minister, a move that surprised many Nigerians and deepened divisions within the PDP. Since then, Wike has maintained strong influence in Rivers politics, even as he serves in the federal cabinet.
Rivers State itself remains a key political and economic centre in Nigeria. As one of the country’s major oil-producing states, it has significant financial resources and political weight. Control of political structures in Rivers has often been fiercely contested, with national implications.
The crisis between Wike and Governor Fubara has therefore attracted attention beyond the state. Many observers see it as a test of political loyalty, godfatherism, and the limits of influence after leaving office.
Joe Igbokwe’s intervention reflects growing concern within the APC about the public nature of the dispute and its possible impact on the party’s image. As a party chieftain and close observer of national politics, Igbokwe is known for speaking openly on political issues, especially those affecting party unity.
By calling the clash a “needless distraction,” Igbokwe suggested that both men should focus on more important national issues, including governance, security, and economic recovery.
Others, however, see the clash as part of a larger struggle over power and influence, not just in Rivers State but within Nigeria’s political system as a whole. They argue that unresolved issues from the 2023 elections continue to shape alliances and conflicts.
Within Rivers State, residents have expressed mixed reactions. While some support Wike’s strong stance and see him as defending the state’s political independence, others believe the continued crisis distracts from governance and development.
Governor Fubara has repeatedly stated his commitment to peace and development, but the political tension has made it difficult for his administration to function smoothly. Lawmakers, traditional leaders, and civil society groups have called for dialogue and reconciliation.
At the national level, the federal government has so far avoided taking sides openly, though there have been reports of behind-the-scenes efforts to calm the situation. The Presidency has emphasised the need for stability in all states and respect for democratic institutions.
As the verbal war between Wike and Basiru continues to dominate headlines, Joe Igbokwe’s call for restraint adds to voices urging maturity and dialogue. His warning that anger-driven actions can have lasting consequences serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved.
For now, it remains to be seen whether the intervention by party leaders and elders will lead to a cooling of tempers. What is clear is that the Rivers State crisis, and the national arguments it has triggered, are far from over.