Igbokwe Slams Wike–Basiru Face-Off, Warns Against ‘Needless Distraction’

|By Chinwendu Nwani

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has rebuked the escalating verbal exchange between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, describing it as unnecessary and distracting.

The clash followed renewed political tension in Rivers State, where Basiru publicly expressed support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara amid his rift with Wike. During a public event in Rivers State on Monday, Wike fired back, cautioning the APC National Secretary to steer clear of Rivers politics.

Basiru responded sharply, urging the FCT Minister to resign his appointment and channel his energy into what he termed an “obsession” with Rivers State affairs.

Reacting to the development, Igbokwe intervened via a Facebook post, faulting both men for trading words in public. He warned that the confrontation serves no productive purpose and risks undermining party cohesion.

“The altercations between Hon. Minister FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the National Secretary APC Nigeria, Ajibola Basiru, are totally uncalled for and unnecessary. It is a needless distraction,” Igbokwe stated.

He further cautioned against actions taken in anger, noting that political missteps could carry lasting consequences. “If out of annoyance you remove your cap and throw it away, a made man will pick it up and use it forever,” he added, urging that the misunderstanding be brought to an immediate end.