The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has declared that “nobody has the monopoly of causing violence” amidst the political tensions between him and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike made this statement in Port Harcourt on Saturday during an event organized in his honor by the Rivers State Ijaw Peoples Congress.
Addressing public perceptions, Wike clarified that Fubara does not speak on behalf of all Ijaw people in their ongoing political conflict.
“First of all, when Senator Johnson Nsakebor approached me, saying the Rivers Ijaw Congress wanted to honor me, I asked why spend such money? I could use the money. But he explained that many people go on television claiming to represent the Ijaw people, and I agreed to come and set the record straight,” Wike said.
He emphasized that the gathering was a message to those in Abuja who misunderstand the situation, rejecting claims that the entire Ijaw community was against him. “Just because one child in a family turns bad doesn’t mean the whole family is bad,” he explained, likening the situation to political dissidents.
Wike questioned Fubara’s influence, contrasting it with his own efforts in supporting Ijaw people, including helping to make an Ijaw man the governor of Rivers State. “God used us. We worked tirelessly. Who loves the Ijaw more—those who can’t even make their Ijaw brother governor, or us?” he asked.
Wike also stressed that while he remains committed to law and order, no one should mistake his restraint for weakness. “I have told people that nobody has a monopoly on causing violence. We choose to follow the rule of law, to maintain calm, and create an environment where investors won’t flee. That’s what we will continue to do.”