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Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has fired back at critics from his home state of Rivers, particularly former Governor Celestine Omehia and former PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus, who recently questioned his ability to secure federal projects for the state.
At the PDP’s End of Year thanksgiving in Ahoada East, Rivers State, Wike, who was previously the Governor of Rivers, pointed out that the state has the highest number of political appointees in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet. He made it clear that the number of appointees from Rivers far surpasses those from previous administrations, emphasizing the state’s strong political representation under his influence.
The controversy stems from remarks by Omehia and Secondus, both former allies of Wike, during recent project commissioning ceremonies by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Both Omehia and Secondus criticized Wike for allegedly failing to attract federal projects to Rivers during his tenure as a minister. They expressed frustration over the lack of visible development projects in the state, despite Wike’s prominence in national politics.
In response, Wike accused Omehia of being out of touch with the reality of his tenure. Referring to Omehia as an “imbecile,” Wike challenged him to understand that as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, he could not directly bring federal infrastructure to Rivers State. He reminded Omehia of his contributions in the education sector during his time as Minister of Education, where he secured a Faculty of Law for the University of Port Harcourt, provided grants to several institutions, and renovated key federal schools in the state, including the Federal Government College in Port Harcourt.
Addressing Secondus, Wike recalled how the former PDP chairman sought to have his cousin, Tele Ikuru, replace Wike’s chosen successor, Governor Fubara. “Secondus wanted his cousin to be governor,” Wike said, adding that despite now calling him an enemy, Secondus was the one who actively worked against Fubara’s candidacy. He criticized Secondus for accusing him of being an enemy of the state while failing to recognize his own role in undermining the political process in Rivers.
Wike also took the opportunity to challenge Governor Fubara, asking him to provide evidence of any new projects he had initiated since assuming office. “I initiated all the projects being completed by Governor Fubara, including the Ring Road,” Wike remarked, highlighting his role in the ongoing development of key infrastructure in Rivers. He further mentioned his involvement in the dualization of the Ahoada Road to Odioku Junction and his financial commitments to key projects in the state.
While addressing the ongoing tensions within the Rivers PDP, Wike also commended Prince Chibudum Nwuche, the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and the chief host of the thanksgiving event, for his unwavering loyalty and steadfastness. “What you (Nwuche) have shown today is what is called steadfastness,” Wike said, praising Nwuche’s character and integrity.
In a more personal reflection, Wike clarified his commitment to Rivers, noting that while he could not directly bring federal funds to the state as the Minister of the FCT, he continued to work for the welfare of Rivers people in various ways. He also pointed out the contrast between his tenure and that of Omehia, asserting that the state has benefited more politically under his leadership. “By the grace of President Tinubu, no governor from Rivers has attracted more political appointments than myself,” Wike claimed, challenging Omehia to recognize the political influence the state holds in the current administration.
Earlier in the ceremony, Nwuche thanked President Tinubu for appointing Wike to a high-profile ministerial position, describing it as a testament to Wike’s ability to effect change on a national level. He also noted that Wike’s work in transforming Abuja was a direct result of his commitment to infrastructure development and governance. Nwuche emphasized that, unlike previous administrations, Wike ensured that the Ekpeye and Engene communities received significant attention and development, with projects such as the Ahoada-Omoku Road, new schools, hospitals, and road networks in Okogbe serving as evidence of his lasting impact on the region.
