Wike Declares Control of Rivers Amid Political Crisis

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that he is firmly in charge of Rivers State amid the ongoing political crisis in the state.

Wike made the assertion on Saturday during the Wakirike Ethnic Nationality’s grand civic reception held in his honour in Ogu, Rivers State, assuring his supporters that there was no cause for concern.

“You can go home and sleep with your two eyes closed; we are in charge,” the minister said.

Wike spoke while explaining how he recommended Boma Iyaye to President Bola Tinubu for appointment as Executive Director of Finance and Administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

According to him, the recommendation came at a time he found it difficult to decide who to trust.

“When the president called me and said the position of Executive Director of Finance and Administration was coming to Rivers State, I was helpless because I didn’t know what to do.

“At that time, you don’t even know who to trust again. I looked left and right and said, ‘God guide me,’ but I want to give God the glory that He guided me well in recommending Boma Iyaye to Mr President,” Wike said.

The former Rivers State governor said he believes in appreciating people who have contributed positively to his life, noting that gratitude matters more to him than material gifts.

“I have always told people that there is nothing wrong in appreciating those who, in one way or the other, have contributed to your life. Boma does not have the money to buy me anything I need in this world, neither does Sekibo, but for me, when people appreciate, I say ‘thank you’ is enough,” he stated.

Wike also commended Iyaye for using his position at the NDDC to improve the lives of his people, urging public office holders to seize opportunities to make meaningful impacts.

“When you have the opportunity to impact the lives of your people, do not waste time; that opportunity may not come again. Now that you have it, make your people happy because that’s the only way you can be happy yourself,” he said.

He acknowledged that public office often attracts envy and hostility but praised Iyaye for remaining focused.

“Yes, position comes with envy and hatred, but Boma, God will bless you for making your people happy. I thank God that you did not disappoint me and Mr President,” Wike added.

Reiterating his confidence amid the political tension in Rivers State, the minister again assured his supporters, “I can tell you to go home and sleep with your two eyes closed; we are in charge.”