BY IKECHI EVANS OSI
Port Harcourt — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has alleged that the ongoing political scheming in Rivers State is driven by the desire of some politicians to gain access to the state’s estimated ₦600 billion public funds rather than a genuine commitment to serve the people.
Wike made the allegation while speaking to political stakeholders and supporters, describing the state’s huge financial resources as the real motivation behind the intense struggle for power.
According to him, Rivers State’s strong revenue profile has made it a major attraction for political actors who are more interested in controlling the treasury than delivering good governance. He warned residents to be cautious of politicians who, he said, are disguising personal ambitions as public interest.
“They are not fighting for the people of Rivers State. What they want is the ₦600 billion in the state coffers. That is what all the noise and scheming are about,” Wike said.
The former governor stressed that leadership should be anchored on accountability, transparency and commitment to development, not on access to public funds. He added that political instability fueled by greed could derail development and undermine public confidence in governance.
Wike urged Rivers people to resist being used as instruments in political battles, calling on them to support leaders with verifiable records of service and development. He maintained that the protection of public resources must remain a collective responsibility.
The comments come against the backdrop of heightened political tension in Rivers State, with various interests positioning ahead of future political contests.
Political observers say Wike’s remarks highlight long-standing concerns over resource control and power struggles in one of Nigeria’s most economically significant states, and may further shape political discourse in the months ahead.
