Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike has warned President Bola Tinubu and the national secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Ajibola Basiru, to steer clear of Rivers State’s politics.

Mr Wike gave the warning during a visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, alleging that the APC had received some funds from the N600 billion sum left in the state’s coffers.

During Mr Wike’s earlier visit to the Khana/Gokana Local Government Area of the state, Victor Giadom, APC’s vice chairman representing the South-South region, had described Governor Siminalayi Fubara as a “so-called governor.” He also stated that Mr Fubara could not win a second term in the state without going through Mr Wike.

However, APC’s national secretary, Mr Basiru, described Mr Giadom’s remarks as unfortunate, noting that Mr Fubara’s office as governor should command respect, despite political differences.

“I find it unfortunate that a member of the NWC was referring to a governor in our party as a ‘so-called governor of Rivers State.’ The office of the governor is an exalted position, and whoever is occupying it must be respected, irrespective of whatever political differences you have,” Mr Basiru noted in a Facebook post on Sunday.

Responding to Mr Basiru on Monday, Mr Wike warned that Rivers State was a “no-go area” for politicians outside the state.

He charged the APC secretary to learn from those who previously tried to meddle in Rivers State’s politics.

“When you’re doing something for the interest of everybody, some people will come out to make sure that those things do not work,” Mr Wike said.

While gesturing to Rivers State’s APC chairman, who was standing beside him on the stage, the FCT minister said, “Tell your national secretary to leave Rivers State alone. Go and ask those who have tried it before. Don’t take our support for Mr President for granted. You have to be careful with the statements you make.

“Today, you’re enjoying Osun; you don’t know those who did the work. You’re opening your mouth to talk about Rivers State; anything you see, take it.

“When Mr President comes back, when I see the minister for the blue economy, I will tell them to tell him, go and ask other people what has happened to them before. I can challenge anybody; this state is a no-go area. So, take the one you have taken, and stop making unnecessary comments.”