The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has rejected suggestions that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara automatically assumed leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state after reportedly joining the ruling party.
Speaking on Monday during a media interaction with journalists in Port Harcourt, Wike argued that party leadership is rooted in grassroots organisation rather than the occupying of public office.
He explained that political parties operate through ward-based structures, not through a centralised state register or symbolic titles.
According to the minister, claims about a so-called “001” position within party hierarchy are unfounded. He stressed that party membership and authority originate from the ward level and extend upward through established structures.
“There is nothing like 001 in the state. You register in your ward, and your local government is in your ward.
Everybody registers in his own ward. You could be the first person to register, but not in the sense that by becoming governor you automatically become leader of the party,” Wike stated.
While acknowledging that governors often emerge as influential figures within their parties, Wike maintained that leadership requires more than holding office.
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“Leadership is not because I am a governor. You must have something that makes you a leader,” he added.
Wike also linked the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State to unresolved agreements, particularly those connected to a peace arrangement intended to ease tensions between the governor and the state House of Assembly.
He said the failure to honour aspects of that agreement eroded trust and contributed to the current dispute, including accusations by the governor that he was interfering in state affairs.
Refuting those claims, Wike said the governor was aware of all reconciliation meetings involving lawmakers and political elders.
“The governor cannot say there was no meeting between the speaker and the leadership of the House. He was present. I don’t like politicians who don’t say the truth,” he said, expressing frustration over remarks he believes were inappropriate for national television.
The former Rivers State governor further criticised what he described as a lack of political courtesy on Fubara’s part, arguing that genuine efforts toward unity require deliberate actions.
He said certain gestures should come naturally to a committed political leader.
“Nobody told me to go and visit the Assembly to say thank you for their support. I don’t need anybody to tell me to call the speaker and say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. These are steps you take to show seriousness,” he said, adding that political relationships must involve mutual effort.
On his relationship with Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the FCT in the Senate, Wike dismissed claims of a permanent rift.
He cited a letter from the senator in which she commended his efforts on a major road rehabilitation project in Abuja, noting that policy disagreements do not negate collaboration. “She commended me for making Abuja a modern city. If there are two areas she thinks have not been done well, it does not mean Abuja is not doing well,” he noted.
The minister highlighted progress made in security, infrastructure and transportation within the FCT since he took office.
He explained that recent sanitation issues were the result of terminating outdated contracts and initiating new procurement processes, which require time to complete.
Calling for patience, Wike urged residents and critics to acknowledge improvements alongside shortcomings.
“You cannot have a modern city if it is dirty or insecure. Today, compared to the past ten years, appreciable improvement has been recorded,” he maintained.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to governance and loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, while emphasising that political actors must always keep their word and respect agreements.
