Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has issued a firm political warning, urging national party leaders to avoid actions or rhetoric that could inflame tensions in Rivers State.
Speaking during a public engagement, Wike cautioned the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, against commenting on Rivers-related political affairs, describing such interventions as unnecessary and potentially destabilising.
The warning followed recent remarks attributed to Basiru, who reportedly faulted the APC’s South-South National Vice Chairman, Victor Giadom, over alleged disrespect toward Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Basiru was also said to have implied that Giadom’s posture was designed to curry favour with Wike.
Those comments surfaced shortly after Wike’s widely publicised “thank you” visit to Gokana Local Government Area, an event that drew attention from multiple political blocs within and outside the state.
Addressing residents at a separate gathering in Oyigbo Local Government Area, the former Rivers governor said Rivers State should not be dragged into partisan disputes by actors unfamiliar with its political dynamics.
“Rivers is not a playground for reckless statements,” Wike said.
“People must learn to respect the sensitivities of this state and understand that careless talk can quickly escalate into avoidable tension.”
He further urged politicians across party lines to exercise restraint, noting that inflammatory remarks could undermine the fragile peace that has taken years to build.
Beyond the immediate controversy, Wike disclosed that both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were now united around a common political goal, namely supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
“Politics is about interest and alignment,” he said. “At this moment, the major parties have found common ground, and that understanding should not be trivialised or taken for granted.”
Wike also raised concerns about what he described as growing external interest in Rivers State’s reported N600 billion public fund, warning that the figure should not become bait for political opportunism.
According to him, development funds belong to the people and must not be weaponised for political bargaining or personal gain.
“Public resources are not spoils of war,” Wike said.
“Anyone coming here because they heard figures should remember that those funds are meant to improve lives, not fund political noise.”
He concluded with a stern reminder that Rivers State has a political history that should not be underestimated, advising national actors to focus on their jurisdictions and avoid provoking unnecessary confrontations.
“Rivers has its own story,” Wike added. “Those who ignore the lessons of the past often learn the hard way.”