Mr Ayodele Fayose, former governor of Ekiti State, has said the controversial minister of the federal capital territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, can only set fire on states where the governors are not in total control.
He suggested that such a fire cannot burn in a state with a strong governor who has nothing to hide.
This is coming after Wike warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, urging them to stay away from party affairs in Rivers State and cautioning against efforts to back Rivers Governor Sim Fubara in taking over party structures in the oil rich state.
But while speaking on Channels Television, Fayose responded to Wike’s threats, explaining that a strong, transparent governor should not fear political disruptions.
“As a sitting Governor, when I was Governor of Ekiti State, I had nothing to hide,” Fayose remarked. “If a governor or former governor says he will put fire in my state, it is either I am not strong at home or I have lost control in my state.”
Fayose stressed that a governor’s confidence in managing their state prevents outside interference.
“You can tell my position. The moment you have a grip of your state, you have nothing to fear,” he asserted. “But the moment you don’t have a grip of your state, obviously you have a lot in your hand to face.”
Wike, known for his political thuggery, reportedly announced during a PDP congress in Port Harcourt that he would incite a crisis if any PDP governor meddled in Rivers State party dynamics.
Moreover, Fayose’s response highlights the importance of maintaining robust leadership to counter such threats effectively.