Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, has stated that he will not interfere with the constitutional duties of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Wike made this declaration while speaking at a civic reception held in his honor at Abalama Town in the Kalabari Kingdom. The event was organized by NEW Associates and attracted a large crowd of supporters.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, accused the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, of being behind the political crisis in the state. He addressed concerns about his presence at the event, stating that despite threats from certain individuals, he was not deterred from attending.
“I heard some people say I wouldn’t come here. Who are they, and how many are they? What you’ve done today shows the world that all the noise on the radio is not the reality. If you are from Kalabari and the Ijaw nation and you are receiving me today, God will continue to bless you. I will always stand by you and support you.”
Wike also denied allegations that he described the Ijaw people as a minority in Rivers State. He claimed that his words were taken out of context and that his true message was about unity in selecting the state’s governor. He recalled how key political figures, including Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, OCJ Okocha, Sergeant Awuse, and Celestine Omehia, played a role in the decision-making process.
Wike further alleged that those advising the governor had encouraged him to withhold the salaries and allowances of Assembly members for over a year, leaving them struggling to support their families. He said he would not interfere with the Assembly’s responsibilities and called for them to be allowed to function as required by law.
“They told you to seize the salaries and allowances of Assembly members for over a year, leaving them without income to feed their families or pay school fees. You were jubilating, and people encouraged you, assuring you that nothing would happen.
“Now, something has happened. I am not going to stop the Assembly from performing its constitutional duties. The Assembly should be allowed to do its job. People who love peace do not threaten others.”
Wike reminded the audience that he had previously warned that the Assembly members would not lose their seats and that certain political actions taken against them would not stand. He insisted that he had only advised the governor to remain loyal to those who helped him win the election, denying accusations that he was seeking financial benefits.
“We simply said that the Assembly members, local government chairmen, and National Assembly members worked hard to make you governor—do not abandon them. But they claimed I was asking for money. Has the money come? Those you are sharing money with, how far?”
He also criticized some of the governor’s close associates, calling them “natural ingrates” and warning that wealth alone does not determine political success.
“Anyone who is not an ingrate would not associate with what is happening. I told the governor to enjoy what God had given him in peace and not to engage in unnecessary conflicts. But his advisers told him, ‘You are the governor, you have money.’ I agree, but money is not everything. These people have nothing to offer. Now, look at where we are. How far?”
Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, who chaired the event, praised Wike for his political strategies and support for the Ijaw people. He acknowledged Wike’s efforts in addressing the political crisis in Rivers State and expressed hope that peace would return.
“Wike has worked to resolve the political crisis in Rivers State by following the dispute up to the Supreme Court. We pray that peace will return to the state through this process.
“We will continue to support you at all times and uphold collaboration as a powerful force for advancing the interests of all parts of the state. Your contributions to Kalabari land will remain indelible for generations to come.”
