Wike Has No Right To Call Fubara ‘So-Called Governor’ – Etta Fires Back

Hilliard Etta, a senior member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has asserted that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is not a member of the party and therefore has no authority to involve himself in its internal affairs.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Etta made the remarks on Tuesday during an appearance on Prime Time, a current-affairs programme on Arise Television, while commenting on the recent dispute between Wike and APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru.

The controversy arose after Wike issued a strong warning to Basiru, urging him to stay out of Rivers State politics following the APC scribe’s public support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Reacting to the situation, Etta described Wike’s interference as inappropriate, emphasizing that his non-membership status bars him from meddling in party matters. He also defended Basiru, noting that the APC national secretary acted properly in safeguarding the integrity of the party and defending Governor Fubara, a key ally in Rivers State.

Etta said, “I have respect for Wike—he gets things done, whether as Governor of Rivers State or as FCT Minister. But whether or not I admire him, he is not a member of our party and therefore cannot meddle in our affairs. The National Secretary was right in defending the party’s integrity.

“Wike referred to Fubara as a so-called governor and pre-judged his re-election. That is not his place. The National Secretary was correct to clarify the party’s position and emphasize that Governor Fubara, having been duly elected by the people of Rivers State, deserves respect from all party members.”