Don’t pull the ladder that you used in climbing. When you are coming down, the ladder may not be there – Wike says as he calls for peace in Rivers state following clash with Fubara

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, expressed a desire for peace in Rivers State but warned politicians against undermining the structures that facilitated their rise to influential positions. Wike and his political protege, the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, have recently conflicted, resulting in the bombing of the state House of Assembly complex and an impeachment attempt on Fubara. This turmoil culminated in the defection of 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

However, during an address to traditional rulers from Ogba land who visited him at his Port Harcourt residence to congratulate him on his 56th birthday, Wike emphasized that his political team in the state is determined not to allow anyone to undermine its integrity. Despite the ongoing crisis, the traditional rulers, led by Nwachukwu Nnam-Obi III, appealed for peace in the state.

Wike, while addressing the monarchs said he would listen to their advice as he was prepared to accept peace on the political crisis in the state, saying people of the state did not vote based on ethnicity in the last governorship election.

He said, “No politician will fold his hands and allow to be dragged down.

“I and my team would accept peace but we won’t allow ourselves to be dragged down because when we go down, who will protect our people? Who will talk about our own interest?”

“In everywhere you are, even in the traditional institutions, there are rules. You can’t run away from them. In a political group, there are rules.

“You cannot say that because an Oba has emerged and then an Oba will not follow the rules of the traditional institution.

““No! An Oba will always obey the rules. So also in politics, there are things you must not do and there are things you must not do.

“Don’t pull the ladder that you used in climbing. When you are coming down, the ladder may not be there. Also leave the ladder so that other people can also climb the ladder.”