The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday criticized former PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus, for branding him an adversary of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Speaking during the PDP End-of-Year Thanksgiving in Ahoada East and Ahoada West, Rivers State, Wike claimed that Secondus was Fubara’s true antagonist. According to Wike, Secondus, as PDP Chairman, opposed Fubara’s candidacy in the 2023 governorship election, preferring his cousin, Tele Ikuru, instead.
Wike explained that his support for Fubara led to the removal of Secondus as PDP National Chairman. Addressing his fallout with Fubara, Wike criticized Secondus and former Rivers Governor Celestine Omehia for their newfound support for the governor amid ongoing political tensions.
Last week, during a road project inauguration in Rivers State, Secondus urged Fubara to stay strong against political adversaries, indirectly referencing Wike. Responding, Wike labeled Secondus a hypocrite, accusing him of being the initial obstacle to Fubara’s emergence as governor.
Wike Defends His Legacy
Wike also dismissed allegations that he left uncompleted projects for Fubara to handle. He challenged the governor to identify any such projects, asserting that he fulfilled his commitments as Rivers State governor.
“I heard Secondus claim I left unfinished work. Let him prove it,” Wike said. “He opposed Fubara’s candidacy, preferring his cousin. Now, he calls me the enemy while pretending to support Fubara.”
The FCT Minister also hit back at Omehia, calling him ungrateful and accusing him of undermining his achievements.
“Omehia questioned my contributions to Rivers State. As Minister of Education, I initiated projects like the Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt and renovated federal schools in the state. I may not bring FCT funds to Rivers, but I have consistently supported its people,” Wike added.
Praise for Nwuche, Call for Unity
Wike commended Chibudom Nwuche, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, for hosting the event and praised his steadfastness in politics. He also lauded the Rivers APC Chairman for fostering inclusivity and avoiding divisive politics.
In his address, Nwuche thanked President Bola Tinubu for appointing Wike as FCT Minister, describing him as a transformational leader. “Wike’s efforts in Abuja show that his achievements in Rivers were not coincidental. He is making Abuja a global city,” Nwuche said.
Prominent attendees included former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, House of Representatives members, and NDDC board representative Chief Tony Okocha, among others.
