‘I won’t accept to be dragged down’ — Wike speaks on Rivers political crisis

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), says his political team in Rivers state will not allow anyone to “drag” it down.

Wike spoke on Sunday while addressing the traditional rulers of Ogbaland who visited him at his Port Harcourt residence.

The traditional rulers led by Nwachukwu Nnam-Obi III, visited Wike to congratulate him on the occasion of his 56th birthday.

The monarchs sued for peace over the political crisis in the state.

Over the past few weeks, Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, and Wike have been at loggerheads over control of the political structure of the state.

The feud between the duo snowballed to the Rivers house of assembly, causing factions in the state’s legislature.

At least nine commissioners have resigned from the cabinet of Fubara amid the political crisis.

‘WE’LL ACCEPT PEACE’

While addressing the traditional rulers, Wike said he and his team would accept peace regarding the political crisis in the state, adding that they will not involve in violence.

The former governor said the crisis in the state is not an “ethnic war”, adding that residents did not vote based on ethnicity in the March governorship election.

“No politician will fold his hands and allow himself to be dragged down,” Wike said.

“I and my team would accept peace but we won’t allow ourselves to be dragged down because when we go down, who will protect our people. Who will talk about our own interest.”

The FCT minister warned that politicians should not destroy the “ladder” they used to get to exalted positions.

He added that in every social group, there are rules and regulations guiding the behaviour of members.

“In everywhere you are, even in the traditional institutions, there are rules. You can’t run away from it. In a political group, there are rules,” he added.

“You cannot say that because an Oba has emerged and then an Oba will not follow the rules of the traditional institution.

“No! An Oba will always obey the rules. So also in politics, there are things you must not do and there are things you must do.

“Don’t pull the ladder that you used in climbing. When you are coming down, the ladder may not be there.

“Also leave the ladder so that other people can also climb the ladder.”