The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taunted his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his camp for turning to the Action People’s Party (APP) as an alternative political platform.

Wike, speaking at a civic reception in his honour in Port Harcourt, pledged to teach them “how to play politics.”

The reception, held in Amadi-Ama, was organized by Wike’s kinsmen under the banner of the Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress.

The group apologized to Wike for Governor Fubara’s actions, with Director of Finance and Administration at the Niger Delta Development Commission, Boma Iyaye, expressing regret over the governor’s behavior.

Iyaye implored Wike not to judge the entire Ijaw community based on one person’s misconduct.

“I want to apologize for what our son has done. We are sorry. It’s not in our nature to repay good with evil. Please don’t abandon us because of this behavior.

“Continue being our brother. We may have failed the exam, but we will try again. We are not ungrateful people; that’s why we’re celebrating you,” Iyaye said.

The congress also expressed deep gratitude to Wike for his efforts in elevating Ijaw leaders within the state, including the appointment of an Ijaw governor.

During his speech, Wike jettisoned claims that the Ijaw people were at odds with him, asserting that it was merely a few “ungrateful” individuals causing discord.

He specifically criticized Fubara’s camp for aligning with APP, emphasizing that political success required more than just money.

“Imagine in Rivers, they are contemplating APP. It’s not about money. Money doesn’t win; you need capacity. All the noise you hear is from people envious of our progress. We’ve defeated them before, and we’ll do it again,” Wike declared.

He vowed that when the time comes, he would show Fubara’s camp what real politics entails. Wike invited the 12 Ijaw representatives from the Rivers House of Assembly to join him on stage, pointing out that 10 out of 12 were opposed to the governor’s alleged abuse of the constitution and poor performance.

“If anyone says the Ijaw people are fighting me, it’s not true. It’s just a few ungrateful people. If a father has 12 children and one is an armed robber, does that mean all of them are criminals?” Wike questioned.

Wike also described the current crisis in Rivers as an opportunity for certain individuals to enrich themselves, likening the state government to a bustling market.

He added that despite his efforts to foster political unity by supporting an Ijaw governor from Opobo, some detractors criticized his decision.

However, he mocked them for now recognizing Opobo as part of the Ijaw identity when it suited their interests.

“They said Opobo is not the real Ijaw, but now that food is on the table, Opobo is suddenly Ijaw. This is leadership driven by self-interest,” he remarked.

Wike further lambasted those who initially vowed to serve neither him nor Fubara but have since aligned with the latter for personal gain.

He confidently stated that his political stature was unmatched in Rivers and that Fubara’s camp had failed to win any of their legal battles against the state’s lawmakers.

He also alleged that his opponents attempted to disrupt the event by sending thugs with dynamites, but law enforcement intervened and arrested the suspects.

“They sent boys with dynamites here, but the police caught them. Let’s see how they cover this up. When the Minister of FCT and governors are present, they send thugs.

“I’ll see how they release them,” Wike said, warning that his next course of action would be communicated through local leaders.

He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Minister of Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, praised Wike for facilitating his appointment, revealing that the discussions leading to his role started in Wike’s Port Harcourt home and were finalized in Abuja.

“I am proud to be here. Wike’s strategic help and leadership made my appointment possible. A good friend is better than a bad brother,” Lokpobiri said, expressing his gratitude on behalf of the Ijaw people.

Former Benue State Governor and member of the G5, Samuel Ortom, echoed similar sentiments, calling Wike a loyal friend who would never abandon his allies.

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, also lauded Wike’s contributions to peace-building in Rivers and expressed hope for a reconciliation between Wike and Fubara.

Fintiri added, “This honor is a message that what’s happening is temporary. It will encourage Fubara to reconcile with his master. Wike has built bridges across the country, and we will work to reconcile him with the governor.”

Several notable politicians were present at the event, including former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), all of whom are members of the G5.

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