We cannot afford to allow political roforofo to define how events are interpreted. Issues must be placed in the right perspective, especially when there are video evidence already in the public domain. This is not speculation. It is not hearsay. So I will implore those reacting emotionally to at least allow the education they claim to have to influence how they respond to public issues. Otherwise, the certificates they parade risk becoming nothing more than framed papers on the wall. Even if you hate SRJ, that is your personal decision and your emotional burden. But for once, wear your thinking cap, drop the hatred temporarily, and examine the facts. You can return to your dislike later, but let us reason first.
Firstly, Dr. Ajibola Basiru, in his capacity as National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress and a member of the National Working Committee, led other NWC members to Rivers State. This was at the instance of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, a fresh member of the party, during the commissioning of newly built official quarters for permanent secretaries. During that visit, he used the platform to rally support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and also expressed support for Governor Sim Fubara. He spoke like a party administrator. He acted within the boundaries of his official responsibility. I do not know anywhere in that outing where he insulted anyone or said anything remotely abusive, and certainly not about “Ikwuerre Putin.” The video is in the public domain for anyone who still cares about truth.
A few days later, Nyesom Wike reportedly said that politicians were suddenly visiting Rivers State because they “love Rivers money,” referring to visits by the National Security Adviser, several federal ministers, and the APC National Working Committee delegation led by his “new friend” Ajibola Basiru. Nobody responded to him because he did not directly mention anyone in particular. The matter might even have passed without controversy.
But the real storm began when APC South-South National Vice Chairman, Victor Giadom publicly aligned himself with Wike and made a deeply troubling comment about Governor Fubara. He referred to him as “the so-called Governor of Rivers State” and went further to declare that anyone seeking political victory in the state must “go through Wike.” That was more than loyalty. It was an attempt to turn a democratic state into a personal political colony, and no serious-minded person who respects institutions should clap for such recklessness.
Dr. Ajibola Basiru, as National Secretary and chief administrative officer of the party, found that statement disrespectful and unbecoming of a senior party officer. He cautioned members of the NWC against insulting governors simply to prove allegiance to political figures. He called for decorum and institutional respect. He addressed Victor Giadom, not Wike. Yet Wike mounted a stage the very next day and responded as though he was the one reprimanded. He warned the National Secretary to “leave Rivers politics,” as if Rivers State is no longer part of Nigeria, and even issued subtle threats about “burning fingers” and reporting him around. All this because the National Secretary insisted that party leaders should conduct themselves responsibly.
In response, Dr. Basiru merely stated a simple truth, Wike is not a member of the APC. And if partisan political mobilization has now become his primary preoccupation, then perhaps he should consider stepping aside from his ministerial role instead of using a federal office to interfere in the internal affairs of a party he does not belong to. That is not aggression. That is institutional clarity.
So, as people who went to school, let us ask a straightforward question: What exactly did the National Secretary do wrong? Did he insult Wike? Did he undermine governance in Rivers State? Did he provoke a crisis? Or did he simply refuse to bow to a growing culture of political intimidation and personal overlordship? This is not about stepping on toes. It is about defending party integrity and preserving institutional order. It is about saying that constitutional offices must be respected, internal party discipline must not be sacrificed for personal loyalty displays, and democracy must not be reduced to political worship of individuals.
You can return back to your hatred now. All the best for you.
