By Chioma Nnodim
Minister, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Barr Nyesom Wike, has strongly stated that he had no interest in the governorship seat of Rivers state, but rather the political structure, warning that if anyone tried to bring it down, such a person would face crisis.
Wike stated this when he received a delegation of 10th National Assembly caucus of Rivers State led by Senator Barinada Mpigi, representing Rivers South Senatorial District, and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency.
The Minister said, “I had no interest in the governorship seat of Rivers state, but rather the political structure, warning that if anyone tried to bring it down, such a person would face crisis.
“I’m not interested in the governance of Rivers State, but I’m interested in the political structure of Rivers State which we have built for years.
“At the appropriate time, we will know those who produces the vote. What you know you know, what you don’t know you don’t know. People who are emphasising on the 25%, you must be a fool.
“If anybody dares to begin 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 said.
The Minister disclosed that the group had come together and fought for their place since 2015, adding that they should take corrections when they make mistakes.
Wike also told members of the 10th National Assembly caucus of Rivers State, to ensure that they do not disappoint the state, but work as a team for the good of the people.
“You that we have given this opportunity to, don’t go and disappoint your state. Don’t go and disappoint your state. When you make mistakes, we’ll call you that you’re making a mistake, take it in good faith that we’re calling your attention because we think that you are derailing. When we call you don’t say we are expecting kickback from you of 25%, or so and so percent.
“I thought that all of us are one. We’ve built this political structure for long. Since 2015 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, leader of the delegation, House of Representatives minority leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda said the caucus was visiting to show solidarity and declare their unalloyed support for the FCT Minister and to express appreciation to President Tinubu for appointing Wike as FCT Minister.
“We thank you for invaluable support for all of us. You supported us all through the primaries. You are the reason why we are in the National Assembly today.”
Commending Wike, they noted that in barely three months, Wike has changed the face of the FCT for his performance, just the way he did in Rivers State.
They also condemn the political crisis in the state and declared their total support for Wike.
Members of the Rivers State National Assembly Caucus that visited Wike were all three senators from Rivers State and 11 House of Representatives members, they are; Senator Barinada Mingi, Sen. Ipalibo Harry Banigo who was deputy governor to Wike when he was governor and Sen. Allwell Onyesoh.
The Rep members in attendance were: Hon. Felix Nwike, Hon. Boniface Emerungwa, Hon. Blessing Emezureke, Hon. Victor Onozor, Hon. Fun Deakor, Hon. Solomon Bob, Hon. Kelechi Nworgu, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, Hon.Hart Cyril Goodwill and Hon. Allison Anderson.
