Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed as baseless, allegations that he is demanding 25percent kickback from every revenue accruing to the Rivers state government.
The minister who was reacting to a viral allegation that he had pegged Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s spending to N5million, also described those propagating such propaganda as ignorant.
Wike, who stated this when he received members of the Rivers State caucus in the National Assembly who were on a solidarity visit to his office, stated that he had no interest in the governorship seat of Rivers state, but rather the political structure which has been in place since 2015.
“I was governor for eight years. Am now FCT Minister, not just minister and some will say that I am asking for 25 percent. That is madness.
“I’m not interested in the governance of Rivers State. I’m not interested. I’m here sitting as a governor, (with) all the functions I have. But I’m interested in the political structure of Rivers State which we have built for years.
“Anybody who tries it will get the resistance if his life, anybody who puts his hands in Rivers State political structures, what you see, you see,” he warned.
While congratulating members of the team for their victory at the Court of Appeal, the minister charged them not to disappoint the state and the country.
“Those of you that God has given the opportunity, don’t disappoint your state, don’t disappoint Nigerians. When you make mistakes, we will call your attention to it, take it in good faith. Don’t say we are expecting kickbacks from you at whatever percentage, 25percent or so and so percent.
“I thought that all of us are one. We’ve built this political structure for long. Since 2015 we have emerged victorious. As the opposition party from 2015, I saw hell. The Federal Government fought me left right and centre, but with your support, we survived. When you work as a team, you’ll discover that it is difficult for an outsider to defeat you at home”.
Earlier, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, appreciated the president for appointing one of their own as the first South Southern to serve as FCT Minister and also thanked the minister for his support to members of the Rivers state caucus in the National Assembly.
Chinda, who is the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, also commended the minister for his swift action in changing the outlook of the FCT in just 2 months after his assumption to office.
Among the Rivers State National Assembly Caucus that visited Wike were Sen. Barinada Mingi, Sen. Harry Banigo and Sen. Allwell Onyeso.
Others were Hon. Felix Nwike, Hon. Boniface Emerungwa, Blessing Emezureke, Victor Onozor, Fun Deakor, Solomon Bob, Kelechi Nworgu, Kingsley China, Hart Cyril Goodwill and Allison Anderson.
