Wike Won’t Step Down!” — Lloyd Tells Basiru Amid Rivers Political Tensions

Former Emuoha Local Government Area Chairman, Chidi Lloyd, has criticized the call by APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, for Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to resign.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Lloyd argued that such demands were misguided, noting that only the President has the authority to appoint or remove a minister.

Tensions escalated earlier this week when Wike, during an event in Rivers State, told Basiru to stay out of the state’s politics after the APC scribe openly expressed support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara. In response, Basiru accused Wike of being overly involved in Rivers politics and called on him to resign to focus on his ministerial duties.

Speaking to Punch, Lloyd dismissed Basiru’s remarks as politically motivated and lacking merit.

“He wasn’t the one who appointed the Minister of the FCT and cannot demand his resignation. I wish he had spoken up before the 2023 elections. I wonder how many votes he delivered for the APC in Osun State,” Lloyd said.

He further accused Basiru of hypocrisy, suggesting possible ulterior motives.

“People forget easily. When they come to collect dollars, they forget their origins. I don’t want to believe this statement came from him, but perhaps it’s about money. To get the attention of Rivers State’s Governor, you have to attack Nyesom Wike,” he added.

Lloyd also reminded that Basiru seems to have conveniently forgotten how Wike rose to political prominence.

Meanwhile, Wike ally Chimelem Wodi also criticized Basiru, describing him as a busybody without the authority to demand Wike’s resignation.

“He has no right to say such things, as he is not even active in his party. He seems intent on provoking the people of Rivers, who collectively support the FCT Minister,” Wodi said.

Wodi praised Wike’s performance under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing that the minister has not committed any offense that could warrant dismissal.

“The President has repeatedly affirmed that Wike is an effective minister. In terms of performance, he has excelled. The APC secretary is simply acting as a busybody,” he added.