KEY POINTS
- Wike defends his contributions to Rivers and rebuts Omehia’s claims.
- Secondus accused of hypocrisy over his shifting alliances.
- Wike emphasizes his legacy of initiating key projects in Rivers.
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has responded strongly to criticisms from former Rivers State Governor Celestine Omehia and ex-PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus.
Speaking at a PDP end-of-year thanksgiving event in Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State, Wike outlined his contributions to the state and the nation while dismissing what he called baseless allegations against his leadership.
Wike rebuts Omehia’s criticisms
Wike took aim at Omehia for questioning his impact on Rivers State as FCT Minister.
According to Punch, he emphasized that his current role involves serving the Federal Capital Territory, not Rivers State.
“I overheard Celestine Omehia saying they should ask what I have done for Rivers. Let me educate him: I am the Minister of the FCT, not a minister for Rivers State,” Wike said.
He listed his achievements from his time as Minister of Education, such as establishing a Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt and renovating key institutions like the Federal Government College in Port Harcourt.
Accusations against Secondus and defense of his legacy
The FCT Minister also addressed Uche Secondus, who allegedly labeled him an “enemy of the state.”
Wike accused Secondus of attempting to impose his cousin, Tele Ikuru, as Rivers governor and of hypocrisy in his recent alliance with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
“Secondus wanted his cousin to be governor and worked against Fubara. Now he claims to be a friend to the governor while calling me an enemy,” Wike stated.
Highlighting his efforts to secure federal appointments for Rivers State under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Wike declared, “No governor in Rivers’ history has attracted more political appointments than me.”
Legacy and ongoing contributions
Wike noted that many of the projects currently being commissioned in Rivers were initiated during his tenure as governor, with significant funding provided before his departure.
“I awarded and paid 50 percent for the projects being commissioned today. The essence was continuity, but it’s disappointing to see some projects canceled,” he added.
Prince Chibudum Nwuche, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and event host, praised Wike for his leadership in both Rivers and Abuja, stating, “Wike’s achievements in Rivers were no fluke. Under his leadership, Abuja is being transformed into a world-class city.”
