Political tensions in Rivers State intensified on Friday when Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), accused the state government of obstructing the activities of the Renewed Hope Family by refusing them access to a significant public venue.
Wike made this claim during the inauguration ceremony for the Rivers State Renewed Hope Supporters’ senatorial and local government coordinators.
The minister stated that his request to utilise the General Yakubu Gowon Stadium for the inauguration on Friday was turned down by the Rivers State Government.
He cautioned, however, that any future denial of such approval would be met with resistance.
“We applied to the state government for the General Gowon Yakubu Stadium. They refused us.
“But let me say, next time we will do this, if you don’t approve it, we will break it by force.”
Wike added, “I want to say it to everybody, enough is enough, we are all from Rivers State. Nobody can deny us the facilities of the state.
“If you don’t agree to give us, we will do the needful, and we will take it by force. Heaven will never fall. And even when heaven falls, everywhere will be at peace.”
The event eventually took place at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Rumuola, which is another property owned by the Rivers State Government.
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Reports indicate that Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his allies, who have also expressed their support for President Bola Tinubu and his campaign for re-election, were not present for the launch of the Renewed Hope Supporters in the state.
Although both the FCT minister and the governor have now joined forces with the President and are backing his re-election, tensions still exist in their relationship.
In the meantime, the Rivers State House of Assembly has begun new impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.
The lawmakers have indicated that the impeachment initiative stems from accusations of financial misconduct.
The APC’s national leadership has confirmed that it is working to resolve the ongoing political turmoil in the state.
Ajibola Basiru, the National Secretary of the APC, stated that Wike is contributing to efforts aimed at resolving the crisis, despite not being a member of the APC.
He noted that Wike’s backing of President Bola Tinubu and his influence in Rivers State make his participation essential.
