Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to Senator Ajibola Basiru, cautioning him against meddling in Rivers State politics following his public endorsement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike delivered the warning on Tuesday while addressing supporters in Oyigbo Local Government Area, insisting that Rivers State is off-limits to political actors he described as outsiders.
In a swift reaction to Basiru’s comments, the former Rivers governor warned against taking the state’s political support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granted.
“Don’t take our support for Mr President for granted. You must be very careful with the statements you make,” Wike said.
In an address, the FCT minister declared Rivers a political “no-go area,” warning that anyone who attempts to interfere should be ready to face the consequences.
“When Mr President comes back, when I see the Minister of Blue Economy, I will tell them to tell him if you carry your hand to Rivers State and your hand burns, don’t say it was me that burned it,” he said.
Wike doubled down on the warning, boasting of his readiness to confront any political intrusion into the state.
“I can challenge anybody. This state is a no-go area, whether you like it or not. Go and ask those who have tried it before. If you open your mouth to talk about Rivers State, whatever you see, take it,” he added.
The minister also accused unnamed political figures of making what he described as “unnecessary noise” over Rivers politics, urging them to focus on their own affairs.
“So take what you have taken and stop making unnecessary noise,” Wike said.
Senator Basiru had earlier publicly backed Governor Fubara amid escalating political tensions in Rivers State, triggering Wike’s fiery response.
