Wike Says Rivers Cash Is Drawing Political Visitors

Political tension rose in Rivers State on Saturday after Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike spoke about growing interest in the state’s finances following claims of large funds in government accounts.

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The comments were made in Port Harcourt during a Christmas event organised by Wike’s supporters, where he addressed lawmakers and party loyalists amid the ongoing political rivalry in the state.
Wike said attention shifted to Rivers after Governor Siminalayi Fubara publicly stated that about N600 billion was left in the state treasury following the end of emergency rule. He argued that such disclosure attracted politicians whose focus was not governance but access to money.

LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT

According to him, some political figures now visit the state, praise the governor, and distance themselves from critics simply to benefit from the funds. He described the trend as a familiar pattern where loyalty changes once money is involved.
Wike maintained that Rivers has always drawn national political interest because of its resources, adding that revealing the amount in the coffers opened the door to opportunists and political middlemen.
He urged the Rivers State House of Assembly to stay firm on existing political agreements and warned that sudden political support driven by money would not bring stability or long-term progress to the state.

LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT