Wike Cautions Politicians: "Don't Pull the Ladder You Used in Climbing".

Wike Cautions Politicians: "Don't Pull the Ladder You Used in Climbing".

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike

The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to politicians amidst the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, emphasizing that the turmoil is not an ethnic conflict. Wike urged politicians not to undermine the structures that elevated them to their esteemed positions.

Speaking on Sunday during an address to traditional rulers from Ogba land who congratulated him on his 56th birthday, Wike underscored that his political team in the state would not permit any force to bring it down.

"No politician will fold his hands and allow to be dragged down. I and my team would accept peace, but we won't allow ourselves to be dragged down because when we go down, who will protect our people? Who will talk about our own interest?" Wike asserted.

The former Rivers State governor expressed his willingness to consider peace in resolving the political crisis, highlighting that the state's citizens did not vote based on ethnicity in the last gubernatorial election.

Wike emphasized the importance of adhering to rules and regulations in every social group, drawing parallels between traditional institutions and politics. He cautioned against violating established norms, stating, "Don't pull the ladder that you used in climbing. When you are coming down, the ladder may not be there. Also leave the ladder so that other people can also climb."

The political tension in Rivers State has recently been marked by conflicts between Wike and his political godson, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The discord resulted in the bombing of the state House of Assembly complex, an attempted impeachment of Fubara, and the defection of 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.