The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday criticized former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, for labeling him an enemy of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Speaking at the Ahoada East and Ahoada West PDP End-of-Year Thanksgiving in Rivers State, Wike alleged that Secondus is the true adversary of Fubara. He claimed that during his tenure as PDP Chairman, Secondus opposed Fubara’s candidacy for Rivers governor in 2023, instead favoring his cousin, Tele Ikuru, for the position. Wike stated that this disagreement prompted him to engineer Secondus’ removal as PDP National Chairman.
Wike, who has recently fallen out with Fubara, accused Secondus and former Rivers State Governor Celestine Omehia of supporting Fubara in the current political conflict. Last week, Secondus, during a visit to Rivers State as Fubara’s guest for a road project inauguration, expressed support for the governor, encouraging him to remain steadfast against political enemies.
Secondus had remarked, “Be strong and courageous; you will overcome your enemies. Those shouting in Abuja, how were they made? It is God, and some of us, along with the leaders here, that made it possible.”
Responding on Thursday, Wike dismissed Secondus’ comments, calling him Fubara’s real foe. He also refuted allegations that he left unfinished projects for Fubara to complete, challenging the governor to identify any such projects.
“I heard Secondus say in Bori that I left the Bori Internal Road project incomplete. I paid 50% of the cost, trusting we had a governor committed to continuity. Secondus, who once blocked Fubara’s governorship bid, now pretends to be his ally while labeling me the enemy. It’s laughable,” Wike said.
He also targeted Omehia, accusing him of hypocrisy and underperformance. “Omehia, who I removed from the Government House, is now calling me an underperformer. He’s an imbecile, and I stand by that,” Wike stated, recounting his contributions as Minister of Education, which included funding institutions and renovating schools in Rivers State.
Wike clarified that, as FCT Minister, he cannot channel resources to Rivers but has consistently supported its people. He further boasted about securing political appointments for Rivers residents through President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“I challenge anyone to count the political appointments Rivers has received under my influence. No governor in this state has matched it,” he asserted.
Commending the host of the Thanksgiving event, Chibudom Nwuche, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Wike praised his steadfastness and inclusivity. He also expressed pride in his connection to the Ekpeye kingdom through his wife, highlighting her appointment as a Justice of the Court of Appeal.
Wike concluded by appreciating the Rivers APC Chairman for attending the event and fostering a spirit of inclusivity rather than political hostility.
