The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused some Nigerian politicians of attempting to gain access to the ₦600 billion reportedly left in the Rivers State treasury by former Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.).
Wike made the claim during a meeting with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly at their legislative quarters along Aba Road, Port Harcourt.
According to him, many politicians are suddenly paying close attention to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara — who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) — because of their interest in the huge funds available in the state.
“From experience in Nigerian politics, many politicians like Rivers money. Announcing that there is ₦600bn has triggered interest. I know them,” Wike stated.
He alleged that some politicians were using public criticism of him as a strategy to win favour with the Rivers State government, claiming that attacking him had become an easy route to gaining financial benefits.
“They will say, ‘Wike’s time is over,’ then they collect. To benefit from that ₦600-and-something billion, you must say Wike is finished,” he added.
Wike further described such actors as opportunists and “fraudsters,” saying the disclosure of the amount available in the state’s coffers had “opened the door” to those seeking to benefit financially.