Over three months into the six-month-long state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has assured that the National Assembly will intervene to resolve the ongoing political unrest in the state.
Akpabio made this declaration in Abuja on Thursday while representing President Tinubu at the commissioning of the Kugbo Bus and Taxi Terminal. Emphasizing the strategic importance of Rivers State to national stability and politics, he said:
> “Rivers State is one state that we cannot joke with, and that is why we are going to do everything possible to ensure that there is peace and tranquility. And all the ants that would have disturbed us in 2027, my brother, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the APC National Chairman, is prepared to smash them before that period. And Almighty Allah will guide you as you do so. Can we shout Amen?”
Wike Commends Akpabio But Refuses to Rate His Ministerial Performance
Also present at the event was the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who lauded Akpabio for his achievements as governor of Akwa Ibom and for his current leadership in the Senate. However, Wike declined to assess Akpabio’s tenure as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs under former President Muhammadu Buhari, citing lack of firsthand information.
> “You were governor for eight years, a successful governor for that matter. As a minister and now Senate President, I can talk about your performance. But the one I do not know, I cannot talk about. You can talk about it anywhere, but not me,” Wike stated.
Akpabio Defends His Track Record, Takes Swipe at Amaechi
In response, Akpabio defended his performance as minister, claiming significant accomplishments that included completing the long-abandoned 13-storey permanent headquarters of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
> “Wike wouldn’t want to acknowledge my performance because he did not like that administration, mainly due to the presence of a ‘local content’—a fellow Rivers politician—in that cabinet who constantly sought to frustrate my efforts,” Akpabio said, alluding to former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
He continued:
> “The MD of the NDDC can confirm that since 1994, the Commission’s permanent structure had been stalled. But during my tenure, we completed the 13-storey edifice and moved from a temporary office that cost N300 million annually in rent and ran on diesel contracts. Now, they have a permanent home connected to the national grid.”
Comparing himself to the proverbial Agama lizard, he said:
> “If I jump from an Iroko tree and land safely, even if no one praises me, I will nod and say, ‘I’ve done well’.”
Wike Slams Amaechi Over Criticism of Tinubu’s Administration
Wike also took a veiled jab at Amaechi, who had recently criticized the Tinubu administration and claimed to be facing hardship. Without naming him directly, Wike mocked the former minister’s sudden outcry:
> “Someone was Speaker for eight years, Governor for eight years, and Minister for another eight. He was never hungry then. But now that he’s out of office, he claims to be hungry and criticizes the government. Is that fair?”
He accused Amaechi of hypocrisy and desperation for power:
> “You are hungry for power, and you won’t get it. Power cannot be entrusted to those who lie and deceive the people. Nigerians should be able to see through such characters.”
Wike added that leadership requires sincerity, responsibility, and the courage to make tough decisions.
> “Challenges are part of governance. A good leader owns up and takes bold decisions. We don’t need people who say one thing and live another,” he said.
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The exchange between Wike and Akpabio reflects ongoing tensions within the political elite of Rivers State, especially with the legacy rivalry between Wike and Amaechi continuing to influence current political dynamics.
