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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said his political team in Rivers State will not allow anyone to drag it down.
Wike spoke on Sunday while addressing traditional rulers of Ogba land who visited him at his Port Harcourt residence.
The traditional rulers led by Nwachukwu Nnam-Obi III, visited Wike to congratulate him on the occasion of his 56th birthday.
The monarchs sued for peace over the political crisis in the state.
In the past few weeks, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and Wike have been at loggerheads over the control of the political structure in the state.
The feud between the duo snowballed to the House of Assembly, causing factions in the state’s legislature.
No fewer than nine commissioners have also resigned from the cabinet of Fubara amid the political crisis.
While addressing the traditional rulers, Wike said he and his team would accept peace regarding the political crisis in the state, adding that they will not involve in violence.
The former governor said the crisis in the state is not an “ethnic war,” adding that residents did not vote based on ethnicity in the March 18 governorship election.
“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,” he said.
The FCT Minister warned that politicians should not destroy the ladder they used to get to exalted positions, adding that in every social group, there are rules and regulations guilding the behaviour of members.
“In everywhere you are, even in the traditional institutions, there are rules. You can’t run away from it. 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 do.
“Don’t pull the ladder that you use 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,” he added.