The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has fired back at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over comments warning him to steer clear of Rivers State politics.
Basiru dismissed Wike’s remarks as unwarranted, stressing that the former Rivers State governor lacks the standing to interfere in the affairs of the APC.
“From my record, he isn’t a member of the APC. I don’t see which authority or temerity he has to be dabbling in APC affairs,” Basiru said.
He emphasised that, as the party’s National Secretary, his responsibilities extend beyond his home state of Osun.
“I am the National Secretary of the APC, and my activities are not confined to Osun State, contrary to his wrong impression. I am the head of the National Secretariat of the APC,” he stated.
Basiru added that Wike has no legal or political basis to question his engagements anywhere in the country.
“He has no locus whatsoever to engage me in any political activity that concerns the APC until he joins the party,” he said.
Reacting to allegations that he was interested in Rivers State’s allocations, Basiru rejected the claim, describing it as false and damaging.
“I take strong exception to his allusion that I am interested in the N600 billion allocations of Rivers State. My records of service are those of integrity and commitment,” he said, adding, “I am not an opportunist, and I have never shied away from taking principled positions, no matter whose ox is gored.”
Basiru also brushed aside what he described as veiled threats from the FCT Minister.
“I am a believer in God; only God can do something for anybody, no matter how highly placed,” he said. “I am one of the young Nigerians who confronted military dictatorship. I cannot be bullied by anybody, no matter how highly placed.”
He maintained that his conduct as APC National Secretary is beyond reproach.
“My records as National Secretary are above board, and I cannot be queried by somebody who is not a member of the APC,” Basiru said.
Concluding, Basiru advised Wike to focus on his ministerial duties or relinquish his position.
“My advice to him is simple: he should resign as Minister and face his obsession with Rivers State politics,” he said.
