Rivers State Crisis: 10th National Assembly Caucus Seeks Former Governor Wike’s Mediation

Hudu Yakubu, Abuja.

Last updated Nov 2, 2023

Members of the National Assembly of Rivers State extraction have paid a courtesy visit to the immediate past governor, who is now the current minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, seeking his mediation in view of the ongoing political crisis between the Executive and the State Assembly.

Commenting on the current political crisis rocking Rivers State, the Minority Leader of the 10th House of Representatives, representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, who spoke on behalf the group, said he was sure that Wike, as their political godfather, would meditate in the crisis.

Hon. Kingsley Chinda also added that the purpose of the visit was to express solidarity with the minister and to thank him for his support during the 2023 general elections in the country.

He described the minister’s appointment as well deserved, adding that Wike was “the important factor” responsible for their seats in the National Assembly.

“The 10th National Assembly members from Rivers state – both from the Red and Green Chamber – are solidly behind you,” Hon. Chinda assured while soliciting the minister’s fatherly advice for the overall progress and development of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.

Barr. Nyesom Wike, the immediate-past governor of Rivers State turned minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Responding, Barr. Nyesome Wike charged his guests to 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, and we correct you, 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 per cent.

“…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,” said the FCT minister.

Wike also 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 a crisis:

“I’m not interested in the governance of Rivers State. I’m not interested. I’m here sitting as a governor, (with) all the functions I have. But I’m interested in the political structure of Rivers State which we have built for years.

“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.”