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From Tony John, Port Harcourt
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Princewill Dike, has described the November 5, 2026 media parley by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as an opportunity to clarify important political developments concerning Rivers State and the broader Nigerian political landscape.
Dike, a supporter of the FCT minister’s political family, observed that Wike’s interaction with journalists touched on several significant issues, including the Rainbow Coalition, the political future of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his relationship with former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, and the controversy surrounding the political differences between him and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.
On the Rainbow Coalition, the APC chieftain noted that Wike’s explanation is that the initiative is intended to bring together political actors across different party affiliations to pursue a common political objective while allowing participants to retain their respective political identities.
He described the initiative as an important subject of national discussion, particularly as Nigerians begin to examine emerging political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Commenting on Wike’s relationship with former Governor Okorocha, Dike said the minister’s clarification was particularly relevant to the discussion on political friendship and disagreement, stressing that political differences among associates should not automatically be interpreted as personal hostility.
On the controversy surrounding the Federal High Court judgment concerning the APC senatorial contest in Imo West, Dike noted Wike’s denial of involvement, stressing the importance of allowing judicial decisions to be examined on their legal merits without attributing responsibility to individuals without established evidence.
On Rivers State, the human rights activist observed that the minister’s statement concerning Governor Fubara’s political future was an important clarification, particularly his position that the governor remained politically relevant and was an active participant in the Rainbow Coalition.
“The clarification is significant to the people of the state,” Dike said, adding that political reconciliation, mutual understanding and cooperation remain important considerations in Rivers State’s evolving political environment.
Speaking from the standpoint of his human rights advocacy, he further stressed the importance of democratic tolerance, freedom of political association and respect for differing political opinions, noting that political disagreements should not undermine the rights and legitimate interests of citizens.
On the comments concerning former Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi, particularly the allegations raised by Wike over expenditure on fumigation, the proposed general hospital and the gas turbine project, Dike said the issues are too weighty to be dismissed as mere political exchanges.
He stressed that public office holders and former public office holders have a responsibility to account for their stewardship, especially where questions are raised about the utilisation of public resources and the execution of projects.
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The APC chieftain maintained that Amaechi should not allow the allegations to remain unanswered, urging him to come forward with relevant records, explanations and verifiable facts to defend his administration’s performance.
According to him, if the claims are inaccurate, the former governor has an opportunity to set the record straight; but if there are issues requiring clarification, Nigerians deserve to know the truth. He said accountability should not be viewed as political persecution, but as an essential obligation of democratic leadership.
Dike further noted that the public deserves a fact-based examination of the competing claims, rather than a situation where political personalities trade accusations without providing sufficient evidence.
He emphasised that the interest of Rivers State and its people must take precedence over political sentiments, adding that every allegation involving public funds should be subjected to transparent scrutiny and a fair opportunity for the person concerned to respond.
“I commend Wike for calling on Amaechi to render account of stewardship when he was Governor and later super Minister under the Buhari administration. As a super Minister, what did Amaechi attract to Rivers, unlike Wike who has many things to point to that he brought to Rivers State as a Minister,” he said.
Dike further observed that the minister’s comments concerning political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections had brought renewed attention to the changing nature of political relationships in Nigeria, where political actors from different parties may cooperate on specific national objectives.
Dike, who believes in public enlightenment and responsible political communication, said the media parley had provided an opportunity for the minister to explain his political positions directly to Nigerians and respond to questions surrounding recent developments.
He urged political stakeholders in Rivers State and other parts of the country to approach emerging political issues with maturity, restraint and respect for democratic institutions.
He further maintained that the interests of Rivers people should remain central to political conversations, particularly in matters relating to federal interventions, infrastructure, employment opportunities, security and the general welfare of citizens.
Reaffirming his unflinching support for the FCT minister’s political family, Dike maintained that political participation should be guided by conviction, loyalty to democratic ideals and the willingness to defend one’s positions through constructive public engagement.
He concluded that the issues raised at the media parley deserved public attention and further discussion, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to develop.
