I’m ‘Governor’ In FCT-Wike Declares

By: Wisdom Acka

Immediate past Governor of Rivers State and current Minister, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that he was already a ‘Governor’ in the FCT and was not interested in governance in Rivers State.

Recall that Nigeria’s constitution treats the FCT as though it were one of the states of the Federation.

Equally, Nigeria’s President is the de facto Governor-General of the FCT and his powers are constitutionally delegated to the FCT Minister.

It should also be noted that the basic difference between the FCT Minister and any of the 36 state Governors is that the FCT Minister is appointed, not elected through a democracy.

Also, in terms of functions, the FCT is much more like a state.

The Minister was reacting to rumours that he was interesting in running affairs of the state while as FCT Minister.

Wike, who stated this while playing host to National Assembly caucus from Rivers State on “thank you and solidarity visit” on Thursday, added that his hands are already full on his new job as FCT Minister.

He, however, explained that he was interested in maintaining his political structure in the state, and would not allow anyone to destroy what he has built for many years.

His words: “I am not interested in the governance of Rivers State. Am here as Governor in FCT. I am interested in the political structure we’ve built over the years in Rivers State.”

“Anybody who try it will get the resistance of his life, anybody who puts his hands in Rivers State political structures, what you see, you take,” he said.

The Minister gave this warning and cautioned those who believed unbelievable tales that he was demanding 25 percent were ignorant.

“I was Governor for eight years. I am now FCT Minister -not just Minister, and some will say that I am asking for 25 percent; that is madness,” Wike stated.

The Minister, while appreciating his guests for coming to thank him, appealed that, in life, people should learn to appreciate those who contributed to their lives in one way or the other; charging them not to disappoint the state and country.

“Those of you that God has given the opportunity, don’t disappoint your state, don’t disappoint Nigerians. When you make a mistake, we will call you to order, take it in good faith, don’t say we are coming for kick backs,” the Minister reiterated.

Leader of the delegation, Kingsley China, House of Representatives minority leader, earlier said that they were visiting to show solidarity and declare unalloyed support for the FCT Minister, as well as thank President Tinubu for his appointment.

The minority leader said: “We thank you for your invaluable support for all of us. You supported us all through the primaries and elections. You are the reason why we are in the National Assembly today.”

The lawmakers, comprising three senators and 11 House of Representatives members from Rivers State commended Wike for changing the face of FCT in barely three months and condemned the political crisis in Rivers state and declared their total support for Wike.

There are Senator Barinada Mingi, Sen. Ipalibo Harry Banigo who was deputy governor to Wike and Sen. Allwell Onyeso.
The Rep members in attendance were: Hon. Felix Nwike, Hon. Boniface Emerungwa, Blessing Emezureke, Victor Onozor, Fun Deakor, Solomon Bob, Kelechi Nworgu, Kingsley China, Hart Cyril Goodwill and Allison Anderson.