Hilliard Etta, a senior member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has stated that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is not a member of the party and therefore has no right to interfere in its internal affairs.
Etta made the remarks on Tuesday during an appearance on Prime Time, a current-affairs programme on Arise Television, commenting on the recent tension between Wike and APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru.
The controversy began when Wike issued a stern warning to Basiru, instructing him to refrain from intervening in Rivers State politics after the APC scribe publicly expressed support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Reacting to the feud, Etta said Wike’s involvement in APC matters was improper, given that he is not a party member.
He also defended Basiru, arguing that the APC National Secretary acted correctly in defending both the party’s integrity and Governor Fubara, a key ally in Rivers State.
Etta said, “I respect the fact that Wike is effective in his role. As governor of Rivers State, he delivered. As FCT Minister, he continues to get results. He is a man I hold in high regard.
“But regardless of my personal view of him, he is not a member of our party and therefore cannot meddle in its affairs. The National Secretary was right to defend the integrity of the APC.
“When viewed objectively, the National Secretary was simply fulfilling his responsibilities. Party leadership is tasked with protecting its interests, and he did exactly that.
“Wike referred to Fubara as a ‘so-called governor’ and made a premature judgment about whether he would be re-elected. That is not his place. The National Secretary was correct to challenge him and clarify the party’s position.
“The APC’s position is that Governor Fubara, having been duly elected by the people of Rivers State, deserves respect from every member of the party nationwide.”
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