The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has cautioned governors from other states against meddling in the political affairs of Rivers State, warning that such actions could trigger serious consequences.
Wike issued the warning on Saturday during a gathering of members of a coalition comprising the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
The former Rivers State governor said individuals and political actors seeking to destabilise the state’s political environment would be resisted, insisting that Rivers should be allowed to manage its affairs without external interference.
Recalling an earlier warning he gave on attempts to influence political developments in the state, Wike maintained that those who ignored the caution had faced the repercussions of their actions.
“We said before that anyone from outside Rivers State who wants to create problems here will face consequences. When some people boasted that they would come and dictate what happens in this state, I warned them that they would get burned if they tried. Events have shown that the warning was not empty,” he said.
The minister also took a swipe at governors he accused of using resources available to their states to interfere in Rivers politics, cautioning them to stay away from the state’s affairs.
According to him, Rivers remains peaceful despite political tensions affecting several other states, a situation he attributed to the unity and resilience of its people.
“We are not looking for trouble, but anyone who comes here to provoke or interfere should be ready to face the consequences. Rivers people know how to defend their interests,” Wike stated.
He further argued that while many states are grappling with internal crises within major political parties, Rivers has remained relatively stable, urging political actors to respect what he described as the state’s unique political environment.
The remarks come amid ongoing political realignments and heightened preparations for the 2027 general elections across the country.
