The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has fired back at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, advising him to resign his ministerial role and focus fully on his “obsession” with Rivers State politics.
In a strongly worded statement issued Monday in Osogbo, Basiru criticized Wike’s recent remarks, saying the former Rivers governor has no authority to meddle in APC affairs, especially as he is not officially a member of the party.
Responding to Wike’s veiled threats and suggestions that he (Basiru) was interested in Rivers’ N600 billion allocation, Basiru said: “I am not an opportunist. My service record is based on integrity and principle.”
He added that his responsibilities as APC National Secretary extend beyond Osun State and that he would not be intimidated by Wike or anyone, “no matter how highly placed.”
Basiru stressed that Wike’s comments were not only baseless but also a reflection of desperation to control political affairs in Rivers despite holding a federal appointment.
“As the National Secretary of the APC, my mandate is national, and my actions are guided by the constitution of our party. Wike, who has not officially joined the APC, lacks the standing to question or comment on my activities,” he said.
He further warned Wike to desist from issuing veiled threats: “I am not afraid of political bullies. I stood against military regimes as a young man and I will not be cowed by anyone today. Governance must be rooted in integrity, not intimidation.”
Basiru concluded by urging Wike to “do the honorable thing” by resigning from the federal cabinet if he is more interested in controlling Rivers State politics than serving the nation.
“If Rivers is your only concern, then step down and return home,” he said.
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