Amanze Chinonye
The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has hit back at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing his recent remarks on Rivers State politics as unwarranted and calling on him to resign from the Federal Executive Council, Prime Business Africa reports.
Basiru’s response follows Wike’s warning that Rivers State was a “no-go area” and his caution to APC leaders not to take support for President Tinubu for granted.
In a strongly worded statement, Basiru said he was shocked that what he described as an “innocuous” position that sitting governors should be accorded due respect as leaders of the party in their states could provoke what he termed “uncouth responses” from a serving minister.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe APC scribe stressed that Wike is not a member of the ruling party and therefore lacks the standing to interfere in its internal affairs.
READ ALSO : Wike Warns APC Secretary Basiru: ‘Rivers Is a No-Go Area’
According to Basiru, his comments on APC matters in Rivers State were part of his constitutional duties as National Secretary and could not be interpreted as interference in the state’s governance.
“I am imbued with the responsibility to protect the interests of the APC, its members and structures,” Basiru said, adding that his role was not limited to his home state of Osun.
Basiru also dismissed allegations attributed to Wike that he and other APC leaders were scrambling for a purported N600 billion in Rivers State, describing the claim as “cheap blackmail.” He challenged Wike to substantiate the allegation or be prepared to defend it in court, insisting that his public record reflected “unquestionable integrity.”
Reacting to what he described as veiled threats, Basiru said Wike was overplaying his political influence and reminded him that he was not “God.” He maintained that he would not be intimidated, citing his past involvement in the pro-democracy struggle against military rule.
The APC National Secretary further argued that Wike’s support for President Tinubu does not confer APC membership on him, noting that millions of Nigerians outside the party also back the President. He accused the former Rivers governor of attempting to destabilise the APC in the state and warned that such actions would not be tolerated.
Basiru concluded by advising Wike to step down as minister if he wished to continue engaging in partisan battles within the APC.
“The honourable thing to do is to resign his appointment as Minister,” he said.
The exchange marks a further escalation in the war of words between both political heavyweights, underscoring growing tensions over Rivers State politics and the relationship between the APC leadership and Wike, a prominent figure in the opposition PDP who currently serves in President Tinubu’s cabinet.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
