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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has launched a blistering attack on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, urging him to resign his ministerial appointment and concentrate on what he described as his “obsession with Rivers politics and the APC.”
In a statement issued on Monday, Basiru said Wike lacks the moral and political standing to interfere in the affairs of the APC, stressing that the former Rivers State governor is not a registered member of the ruling party.
According to Basiru, Wike has no authority whatsoever to comment on APC activities or engage party officials until he formally joins the party.
“From my record, he (Wike) isn’t a member of APC. I don’t see which authority or temerity he has to be dabbling in APC affairs,” Basiru said.
Declaring his position within the party, Basiru added, “I am the National Secretary of APC and I don’t see any basis for him to be making comments about my activities either in Rivers State or in any part of Nigeria.”
He dismissed claims allegedly attributed to Wike that his interest in Rivers State politics is driven by financial motives, particularly the reported ₦600 billion in state allocations.
“As the National Secretary of the party, my activities aren’t confined to Osun State contrary to his wrong impression. I am the head of the National Secretariat of the APC.
So, he has no locus whatsoever to engage me in any political activity that concerns the APC until he joins the party,” he added.
Basiru strongly rejected suggestions that he is an opportunist motivated by access to Rivers State funds.
“Secondly, I take strong exception to his allusion that I am interested in the ₦600 billion allocations of Rivers State. My records of service are those of integrity and commitment to service,” he said.
“I am not an opportunist, and I have never shied away from taking principled positions on any matter, no matter whose ox is gored.”
Responding to what he described as veiled threats from the FCT minister, Basiru said he remains undeterred.
“As to his veiled threat against me, I am a believer in God, that only God can do something for anybody, no matter how highly placed,” he declared.
“I am one of the young Nigerians that confronted military dictatorship. I can’t be bullied by anybody, no matter how highly placed.”
He further insisted that his conduct as APC National Secretary remains impeccable and beyond reproach.
“My records as national secretary are above board, and I can’t be queried by somebody who isn’t a member of APC,” Basiru said.
Concluding his statement, the APC chieftain advised Wike to step aside from office and focus on his political battles in Rivers State.
“Finally, my advice to him is that he should resign as Minister and face his obsession with Rivers politics,” Basiru said.