Politics

Wike Criticizes Fubara Supporters for Switching to APP

Published by Tope Fakinlede on September 29th, 2024.

Wike Criticizes Fubara Supporters for Switching to APP

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has ridiculed supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara who have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Party (APP) ahead of the local government elections on October 5.

Following a recent congress that strengthened Wike’s loyalists’ grip on the PDP in Rivers State, Fubara reportedly urged his supporters to run under the APP banner for the upcoming elections. Wike expressed confidence that he would deliver a significant lesson to the APP and its members when the time comes.

“Can you believe they’re even considering the APP in Rivers? It’s not about money; money alone isn’t enough. You can throw money around, but without real capability, it means nothing,” he stated.

Wike suggested that the unrest surrounding the party is fueled by envy over their achievements. “We’ve overcome them many times, and if the opportunity arises again, we will do so once more,” he asserted. “We haven’t even begun serious politics. When the time comes, we will show them what it means to engage in politics.”

Addressing concerns about tensions with the Ijaw community, Wike insisted that it’s a handful of ungrateful individuals causing friction, not the entire group. He characterized the ongoing crises in Rivers as a time for opportunists to enrich themselves, viewing the state government as a lucrative target.

“They are not opposing me; I’m far too significant for that. If you fail to recognize someone greater than yourself, then there’s an issue,” he remarked, emphasizing his standing above his critics.

Earlier, Boma Iyaye, the Director of Finance and Administration for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), spoke on behalf of the group, urging Wike to overlook the actions of a few and maintain his relationship with the Ijaw people. Iyaye pleaded with Wike not to judge the entire community based on the behavior of one individual.

Wike was joined at the event by various dignitaries, including Petroleum Minister Heineken Lokpobiri, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, and former governors from the G5 group, among others.