The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has claimed that politicians from outside Rivers State are using flattery and strategic criticism to gain access to the state’s financial resources. The remarks were made on Saturday during a Christmas carol event organized by his supporters.
Wike criticized Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for publicly announcing the discovery of approximately ₦600 billion in state coffers following the lifting of emergency rule. The minister suggested that this disclosure had drawn the attention of politicians seeking to benefit from the funds.
He stated that a common tactic employed by these visitors is to criticize his own influence while offering praise from the highest levels of government. Wike specifically referenced a recent federal delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, which had informed Governor Fubara that President Bola Tinubu wasIn his address, Wike remarked:
“Everybody who comes to Rivers State today must say, ‘the president is happy with you’—and they collect.”
The minister’s comments underscore ongoing political tensions in the state and raise questions about the motives behind recent high-profile visits to Rivers State.
The delegation led by Ribadu had previously visited as part of efforts to resume oil operations in Ogoniland, with the assurance of presidential support being a highlighted aspect of the discussions.
