The former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus, has accused Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s political opponents of hounding him for daring to prevent the looting of the state’s resources.
Secondus stated that the ongoing political crisis in the state was orchestrated by individuals demanding unfettered access to the state’s finances, a demand Governor Fubara has refused to accept.
In Abuja on Saturday, Secondus also pointed fingers at the immediate past Governor of the state and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as the mastermind behind Fubura’s political troubles. He claimed that Wike’s actions, statements, and ongoing feud with the governor have tarnished the state’s image.
Secondus criticized Wike’s tenure, questioning the federal projects attracted to the state during his time in office and accusing him of driving investors away with his policies.
He said, “Wike has been Governor for eight years and is now Minister of the FCT. As Minister, what has he (Wike) attracted in terms of Federal projects to our dear State since he assumed office? Perhaps misery, grief, and anguish. As Governor, he supervised the exit of investors from the state due to his draconian policies.”
Secondus also addressed the relationship between Wike and former First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, expressing disappointment at Wike’s disrespectful behavior towards her and himself.
He continued, “I can attest to Dr. Odili’s performance as Governor being the State PDP chairman then. I hasten to say without any fear of contradiction that he is the best governor of Rivers State in this dispensation. Wike claims that our revered Dr. Odili made him, but in his characteristic manner, he publicly ridiculed the Odilis without any justification. He owes them an unreserved apology and he should do so publicly.
“These media attacks against the political leaders of Rivers State are unwarranted and diversionary.
“For the records you should account for the three hundred million dollars ($300m) you collected from the NNPC for the Ogoni Oil well and the cash refund made by the Saipem oil and gas company and subsequently account for your eight-year tenure of over N4 trillion realized, mismanaged and squandered. Rather than trying to cover your inadequacies through media attacks.”
Secondus warned that these attacks could escalate into a national crisis if not addressed promptly.
Appealing to President Bola Tinubu to intervene, Secondus added, “I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to prevail on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike to stop overheating the Rivers State political atmosphere and allow Fubara to work. Whatever Wike thinks he is, it must be stressed that Rivers people made him.”
