Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has denied allegations against him that he converted the resources of Rivers State into his private estate while serving as Governor.
Wike, who hosted some stakeholders in the state on Friday in Port Harcourt, stated that the allegation, attributed to former Governor Dr. Peter Odili, is false.
The Minister noted that those making the allegations have children serving in government as commissioners, questioning how he could have turned Rivers State into his personal property.
“Those who made the allegations have their children serving as commissioners. Is any of my children a commissioner? I never converted the state into my personal estate,” he said.
He reiterated that individuals like Dr. Abiye Sekibo, former PDP national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Austin Okpara were among those who opposed the candidacy of Siminalayi Fubara as Governor.
“Those who parade themselves as elders of the state today were the same people who opposed Fubara’s emergence as Governor. I stood my ground. But today, they are the ones moving everywhere, calling themselves elders.”
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Wike nostalgically recalled that since 1999, when he contested elections for the Obio/Akpor local government council, “I have been winning every election I contest because we know how this game works.”
He also recounted how he risked his life to help former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki win reelection. “I had an ulcer, but I still went to Edo and ensured Obaseki won that election. I fought Oshiomhole. The police ordered me to leave Edo State. I left my cars at the hotel and disappeared. But the same Obaseki turned against us.”
The FCT Minister appealed to Monday Okpebholo, the current Governor of Edo State, not to turn against Oshiomhole as his predecessor did.
Wike boasted that many people are unhappy with him because he has presidential endorsement. “They are not happy because we have the presidential endorsement. I have nothing to lose. I have a budget to present to the National Assembly. I award contracts. So, I have nothing to lose.”
He revealed that many people will be shocked by what will soon happen in Rivers. “People will be shocked by the kind of movement that will soon happen in this state. I just want all of you (loyalists) to remain steadfast. We will soon overcome.”
The Minister called on Nigerians to continue praying for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that “with what Mr. President is doing, 2025 will be better than last year. The President needs our prayers, and we must continue to pray for him.”
Some of the dignitaries at the event included Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, the South-South national vice chairman of the APC, Victor Giadom, Chief Ferdinand Alabrabra, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief OCJ Okocha, among others.