Rivers Crisis: Ameh Backs Basiru Accuses Wike of Undermining His Own Party

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Peter Ameh, National Secretary of the Coalition for United Political Parties (CUPP), has voiced public support for APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru amid rising tensions with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

In an interview with Punch, Ameh commended Basiru for taking a firm stand against Wike, whom he accused of actions that weaken both governance in Rivers State and broader national politics. He described Basiru’s response to Wike’s interventions as courageous and principled.

The political climate in Rivers State has been tense following the alignment of Basiru with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, during an ongoing power struggle with Wike, the former governor of the state. Observers note that Wike’s involvement has stirred controversy, as he reportedly warned Basiru during a public event to refrain from interfering in the state’s affairs.

Basiru quickly countered, issuing a statement urging Wike to focus on ministerial duties rather than pursuing what he characterized as an unhealthy obsession with Rivers politics.

Ameh argued that Wike’s influence has waned, noting that his prior efforts to dismantle his former political party had already served the interests of the APC. “He has been used by the APC to dismantle his own party. Now that the party’s entire structure has effectively moved into the APC, his relevance has faded. His assignment is complete, and he is no longer needed,” Ameh stated.

He further suggested that Wike should formally integrate into the APC and submit to its leadership in Rivers State, emphasizing that under APC rules, Governor Fubara is the recognized party leader in the state.

Ameh also framed the ongoing Wike-Fubara rivalry as part of a broader political maneuver allegedly orchestrated by President Bola Tinubu to consolidate control in the oil-rich region. He warned that the rivalry has created parallel political camps working toward Tinubu’s objectives while sidelining the real beneficiaries—the citizens of Rivers State.

“I do not sympathize with either Fubara or Wike. What we are witnessing is a political strategy that ensures two rival camps are mobilizing support for President Tinubu in Rivers State, while the real victims are the citizens who should be enjoying the dividends of democracy,” Ameh said, highlighting the cost of such political strategies on ordinary residents.