FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has boasted that no political group could dislodge his political camp in Rivers State, amid a reignited rift with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Mr Wike, who stated this while speaking during a visit to the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area secretariat on Saturday, insisted that his supporters and loyalists remain resolute despite threats since the 2023 general elections.
“Nobody in this state can push us out,” the minister told his loyalists. “We have led this war since 2023, and we have never reneged. There was no amount of threats that did not come, yet we stood firm.”
Mr Wike stated that Rivers remained supportive of President Bola Tinubu’s agenda, asserting that his supporters were committed to supporting the administration.
“If there is one state the president knows he can go home and sleep with his two eyes closed, it is Rivers State,” he said.
While accusing politicians of attempts to hijack Mr Tinubu’s agenda in the state, the minister insisted that they would not materialise.
Mr Wike stated, “In 2023, we led the war here. We were the Renewed Hope agenda people from the beginning. Those who went elsewhere and supported Abubakar, and could not even give him 10 per cent, now want to lead the Renewed Hope agenda. Is it possible? You failed.
“You did not buy the pepper, you did not buy the salt, and you did not buy the oil. Suddenly, the food is ready, and you want to eat first. Is that possible?”
The FCT minister’s latest salvo came amid a deepening feud between him and Mr Fubara, weeks after the latter’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Mr Fubara’s defection came weeks after his resumption of office following a state of emergency declared by Mr Tinubu.
Days ago, Mr Wike said he was done with Mr Fubara, vowing to handpick a more pliant person to replace the governor in 2027.
“We will not make the mistake we made in 2023. I want to tell you now, are we going there? No! We are not going there. Are you hearing me? We are not going there. I heard people boasting that they will call me and give me instructions.
“As far as Rivers State is concerned. Nobody will call me because…you had a first agreement, and somebody reneged. The second agreement, he reneged. Which one will he accept again? We would not make that mistake again,” the minister stated.