The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has sharply responded to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, following the minister’s warning that he should steer clear of Rivers State politics.
Basiru dismissed Wike’s comments, questioning his authority to interfere in the affairs of the ruling party.
“From my record, he isn’t a member of APC. I don’t see which authority or temerity he has to be dabbling in APC affairs,” Basiru said.
Reaffirming his position within the party, the APC scribe stressed that Wike had no standing to comment on his activities.
“I am the National Secretary of APC and I don’t see any basis for him to be making comments about my activities either in Rivers State or in any part of Nigeria,” he stated.
Basiru further clarified that his role as National Secretary goes beyond state boundaries.
“As the National Secretary of the party, my activities aren’t confined to Osun State contrary to his wrong impression. I am the head of the National Secretariat of the APC,” he said.
He insisted that until Wike formally joins the APC, he has no locus to engage him on party matters.
“So, he has no locus whatsoever to engage me in any political activity that concerns the APC until he joins the party,” Basiru declared.
Reacting to allegations that he was eyeing Rivers State funds, Basiru strongly rejected the insinuation.
“Secondly, 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 to service,” he said.
He described himself as a man of principle, unmoved by political pressure.
“I am not an opportunist, and I have never shied away from taking principled positions on any matter, no matter whose ox is gored,” Basiru added.
Addressing what he described as veiled threats from the FCT minister, Basiru said he was not intimidated.
“As to his veiled threat against me, I am a believer in God, that only God can do something for anybody, no matter how highly placed,” he said.
Recalling his past political struggles, Basiru said intimidation would not work on him.
“I am one of the young Nigerians that confronted military dictatorship. I can’t be bullied by anybody, no matter how highly placed. My records as national secretary are above board, and I can’t be queried by somebody who isn’t a member of APC,” he stated.
Concluding his response, Basiru turned the tables on Wike with a pointed advice.
“Finally, my advice to him is that he should resign as Minister and face his obsession with Rivers politics,” he said.
