ABUJA: The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has dismissed speculations of ethnic division in Rivers State, stating that the present of solidarity by the Kalabari individuals demonstrates unity and shared objective.
Wike made this comment on Saturday throughout a grand civic reception held in his honour by Kalabari stakeholders in Abalama City, Asari-Toru Native Authorities Space of Rivers State. The occasion, organized by Ijaw stakeholders beneath the aegis of the New Associates, was marked by cultural shows, conventional dances, and tributes to Wike’s contributions to the area.
Chairman of the event, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, who additionally serves as Chairman of the Rivers State Elders Council, praised the FCT Minister for his dedication to inclusivity and governance. He emphasised that the grand reception was a testomony to the Minister’s affect and the appreciation of the Kalabari individuals.
Equally, Director Common of the Border Group Improvement Company, Chief George Kelly, recommended Wike’s position within the development of the Ijaw nation, notably his help for the emergence of an Ijaw governor in Rivers State.
Responding to the popularity, Wike expressed gratitude to the Kalabari nation and reaffirmed his dedication to supporting their growth. He dismissed claims of ethnic division, saying, “What you have got performed right this moment is to inform the world that every one the noise on the radio shouldn’t be the true factor. You’re the Kalabaris, you’re of the Ijaw nation, and you’re receiving me right this moment. God will proceed to bless you.”
He clarified that his endorsement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara was rooted in his love for the Ijaw individuals, however lamented that the Governor had deviated from their preliminary settlement for unity and progress.
Wike criticized Fubara’s choice to align with people who had beforehand opposed his election, arguing that they have been deceptive him. He additionally condemned the withholding of allowances for State Meeting members, calling it an unjust act.
“All this stuff you’re seeing, I instructed the Governor, ‘God gave you one thing, eat it peacefully.’ It isn’t good so that you can face this disaster. However they instructed him, ‘You’re Governor, you have got cash.’ Cash shouldn’t be every little thing. All these individuals, they don’t have anything to supply. See the place we are actually. How far?” Wike acknowledged.
Addressing requires peace, Wike maintained that he wouldn’t intervene with the work of the Rivers State Home of Meeting, asserting that lawmakers must be allowed to carry out their constitutional duties with out intimidation.
“I’m not going to cease the State Meeting members from performing their constitutional duties. The Meeting must be allowed to carry out their constitutional duties. Individuals who love peace don’t threaten individuals. The extra you threaten, the extra you worsen the state of affairs,” he stated.
He additionally criticized Fubara’s strategy to the continuing political disaster, noting that regardless of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention, the Governor’s allies continued to undermine peace efforts by courtroom actions.
“When the President intervened, they went to courtroom difficult Mr. President that he assumed energy that’s not constitutional. Now, you’re operating again to the identical President. You should be constant along with your actions,” Wike added.
Reaffirming his loyalty to the Ijaw nation, Wike careworn the necessity for political stability and equity in governance. He warned in opposition to sidelining those that had contributed to the state’s political construction and urged the individuals to stay law-abiding regardless of makes an attempt to stir ethnic division.
“Our efforts, our sweat, we can’t be pushed out. All of you suffered, and any individual will simply come, as a result of they gave him energy in a single day, and say, ‘Get out.’ Anyone who remembers you within the wet season may even keep in mind you within the dry season,” he acknowledged.
The Minister was accompanied by distinguished political allies, together with Senator Philip Aduda, former Minority Whip within the ninth Meeting; former Deputy Speaker of the Home of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche; and Senator Mao Ohuabunwa.
