Pan-Rivers Group Condemns FCT Minister Wike’s Threats to Destabilize Governors Backing Rivers State’s Fubara
2 min read
By the editor
The One Rivers Initiative (ORI), a Pan-Rivers advocacy group, has strongly criticized recent threats made by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to destabilize states whose governors support Governor Siminalayi Fubara amidst the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, ORI’s Director of Media and Publicity, Victor Burubo, labeled Wike’s remarks as indicative of “intolerance and arrogance.”
Burubo highlighted the potential national security risks posed by Wike’s statements, calling for security agencies to summon the minister for questioning. “There must be a limit to political maneuvering in Nigeria,” Burubo stated. He emphasized that Nigeria, currently facing severe security challenges, could not afford to overlook individuals who behave as if they are above the law, drawing parallels to the autocratic rule of Louis XIV.
He urged Wike to recognize that Nigeria operates a democratic system, where no individual can wield absolute power. “Wike cannot take Rivers and Nigeria back to those periods of absolutism,” Burubo declared.
He also warned that ORI would pursue all lawful means to hold Wike accountable and prevent any actions that might undermine the political institutions representing Rivers State and Nigeria. “This, to ORI, is a patriotic duty, and we intend to do it without fear of intimidation,” he added.
Burubo accused Wike of orchestrating an illegal congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, contrary to existing court judgments, and attempting to lure Governor Fubara into a parallel congress. He criticized these actions as direct challenges to the rule of law.
Recalling recent events, Burubo pointed to Wike’s vow to “put fire” in PDP-ruled states whose governors support Fubara, interpreting this as a blatant threat to peace and stability. As the political situation in Rivers State continues to unfold, ORI remains committed to defending the state and the nation against any divisive tactics.
