The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike has stated that he has no intention of recommending commissioners to Governor Siminalayi Fubara as he takes office in Rivers State following President Bola Tinubu’s six-month emergency rule.
The former governor of Rivers State stated this in an interview with Channels TV on Thursday.
Tinubu declared emergency rule in March following a protracted political dispute between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike.
The schism was generally linked to allegations that he attempted to influence selections in the state government.
However, in an interview with Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Wike distanced himself from such charges, stating that he would not meddle with Fubara’s administration.
“I cannot go and impose anything on the governor. Why would I impose anything on the governor? Assuming I go to the governor and say, ‘I want this,’ will the state collapse? I will not. I have no candidate, and I will not,” Wike said.
He emphasized that the governor must be allowed to run the affairs of the oil-rich South-South state without external interference.
Wike had, on Wednesday, commended Tinubu for ending the emergency rule in the state and reinstating the democratically elected government.
In a statement by Lere Olayinka, his special assistant on public communications and social media, Wike said Tinubu demonstrated commitment to peace and democracy with the emergency rule.
The minister said the president’s intervention restored the confidence of the people of Rivers State in his leadership.
Wike commended the people of Rivers for supporting Tinubu in his efforts to “return the country to the path of progress and development.”
He called on all stakeholders in the state to work together harmoniously in the collective interest of the state and its people.
“From Rivers state going forward, the only news that will emanate will be that of peace, progress and development,” he said.
