The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has berated former Rivers State Governor, Celestine Omehia, and the ex-National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus, over their recent remarks during the commissioning of projects in Rivers State.
Wike, speaking at the Ahoada East and Ahoada West PDP end-of-year thanksgiving held in Ochigba, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State on Thursday, criticised Omehia for questioning his contributions to the state as FCT Minister.
He also dismissed Secondus’ comments, accusing him of hypocrisy, and alleged that Secondus once tried to impose his cousin as governor of Rivers State.
Reacting to Omehia’s remarks during the project inauguration, Wike said, “I overheard one, Celestine Omehia, saying they should ask me what I have done for Rivers State as Minister. Let me educate him: I am not a minister of Rivers State; I am the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
When I was Minister of Education, I brought a Faculty of Law to the University of Port Harcourt, provided grants to Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, and renovated Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, among others. These are tangible contributions he should focus on, not unfounded allegations.”
Wike also fired back at Secondus, who allegedly labeled him an “enemy of the state.”
He accused Secondus of working against Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s emergence and questioned his newfound alliance with the governor.
“Secondus wanted his cousin, Tele Ikuru, to be governor. He was against Fubara. Today, he claims to be the governor’s friend while calling me an enemy. The records are clear; I removed Secondus as PDP chairman because of his actions,” Wike said.
Highlighting the political appointments secured for Rivers State under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Wike declared, “There is no governor in Rivers’ history that has attracted more political appointments than me. By the grace of Mr. President, Rivers State has the highest number of appointees in Tinubu’s government.”
Wike said most completed projects, including the Ring Road, were initiated during his tenure as governor.
“I awarded and paid 50% for the projects being commissioned today. The essence was to ensure continuity, but I’m disappointed to see some projects canceled,” Wike added.
The event host and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Prince Chibudum Nwuche, commended Wike for his contributions to Rivers State and Abuja.
“Wike has proven that his achievements in Rivers were no fluke. Abuja is now being transformed into a world-class city under his leadership,” Nwuche said.