Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, publicly explained his role in the removal of Uche Secondus as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He made this revelation during an end-of-year thanksgiving and celebration in Ahoada-East/West at Ochigba town, Rivers State.
Wike began by praising the gathering for its steadfastness and integrity, stating, “What you have shown today is what is called steadfastness. It’s very difficult to find people who are steadfast.”
He then addressed his critics, specifically targeting Secondus.
Wike revealed that he had removed Secondus as PDP Chairman after Secondus tried to make his cousin, Tele Ikuru, the Governor of Rivers State.
He explained, “I kicked out Secondus as PDP chairman of the party when he wanted to make his cousin, Tele Ikuru, to be Governor. Today, he is saying now that we are enemies. He was the one who refused the man to be Governor, he wanted his cousin to be Governor. He has now become the governor’s friend and we have now become the enemies. To God be the glory.”
In his speech, Wike also took aim at Celestine Omehia, calling him an “imbecile” for questioning his contributions to the state.
Wike responded sharply, “I overheard one imbecile, and let him challenge me, an imbecile Celestine Omehia. I say so that is why when he wanted to occupy government House I kicked him out. We could not have imbecile to be Governor.”
Defending his legacy as Governor, Wike highlighted various projects he had initiated, such as the establishment of a faculty of law at the University of Port Harcourt, grants to Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic and Ignatius Ajuru University, and renovations of Federal Government Colleges in Port Harcourt.
He also pointed to road construction projects, including the dualization of the Ahoada road to Odioku Junction, the Bori Internal Road project, and the completion of the Opobo Ring Road, for which he had paid 50% of the contract sum.
Wike criticized religious and traditional leaders, accusing them of lacking integrity. He said, “How can people who do not have character come and preach the word of God to me?”
Despite the criticisms, Wike reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Rivers State and urged people to support his efforts.
He accused critics of being “copycats,” attempting to mimic his achievements.
In closing, Wike announced that he would be visiting President Bola Tinubu in Lagos for the holiday period to convey the Christmas wishes and New Year greetings of Rivers State residents.
During the event, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudum Nwuche, praised Wike for his leadership in Abuja and Rivers State.
Nwuche acknowledged the completion of long-abandoned projects in Abuja and commended Wike for his contributions to Ekpeye, such as the Ahoada-Omoku Road and other community projects.
Nwuche also expressed gratitude for President Tinubu’s decision to appoint Wike as Minister of the FCT, describing it as a wise choice that had produced tangible results.
