The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Mr Nyesom Wike, denied allegations that he demanded a 25 percent share of the Rivers State government’s budget. He described the allegations as false and baseless.
Wike made the denial on Thursday when a delegation of the Rivers Caucus in the 10th National Assembly, comprising three Senators and 11 members of the House of Representatives, visited him in Abuja.
According to reports, a crisis erupted in Rivers when the Rivers Assembly made an attempt to impeach the current Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara.
“I was governor for eight years. I am now FCT Minister, and some will say that I am asking for 25 percent. That is madness.”
“I am not interested in the governance of Rivers; I am not interested. I am here as a governor in FCT, but I am interested in the political structure of Rivers which we have built over the years.”
“If anybody dares to bring it down, the person will face the crisis he wants in his life. Perform or don’t perform, but don’t touch our political structure.”
“Anybody who puts his hand in our structure, anything you see, take it”, he warned.”
He encouraged the caucus members to collaborate and act in unity for the benefit of the people of Rivers, emphasizing their responsibility to the state.
The Minister said: “When you make mistakes, we will call you and tell you that you are making a mistake. Take it in good faith that we are calling your attention because we think that you are derailing.”
“But when we call you don’t say we are expecting a kickback of 25 percent from you or so and so percent.”
“All of us are one. We’ve built this political structure for a long time, since 2015, and we have emerged victorious.”
“As the opposition party from 2015, I saw hell. The Federal Government fought me left right and centre, but with your support, we survived.”
“When you work as a team, you’ll discover that it is difficult for an outsider to defeat you at home.”
Earlier, Mr. Kinsley Chinda, the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives from the PDP representing Rivers, spoke on behalf of the delegation, stating that the purpose of their visit was to express their support and solidarity with the minister.
Chinda, who serves the Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency, further mentioned that their visit was an opportunity to express gratitude to Wike for the assistance he provided during the 2023 general elections.
He noted that he had a significant role in their success as lawmakers in the National Assembly, emphasizing the deserving nature of Wike’s appointment.
He also expressed his disapproval of the political turmoil in the state and confirmed their unwavering backing for Wike.