By CHARLES IWUOHA

Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has dismissed claim by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that he remains in control of the political structure of Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.

Eze, was Reacting on Thursday to Wike’s recent media comments in which he described himself as the “General Commander, Political Infantry” in Rivers State and declared that he would not fold his arms and allow former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to defeat his political camp in the State.

According to Eze, Wike’s continued attempt to portray himself as the undisputed political commander of Rivers State is nothing more than political self-deception, particularly after the minister’s role in the events that led to the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State.

“It is delusional for Wike to imagine that, after the humiliation suffered by Rivers State under the circumstances surrounding the declaration of the State of Emergency, he can still present himself as the unquestionable political commander of the State. Rivers State was turned into a laughing stock before the nation, and those responsible cannot now rewrite history and pretend that nothing happened.”

Eze said Wike’s repeated attacks on Atiku Abubakar and former Governor Rotimi Amaechi demonstrate that the minister is increasingly becoming obsessed with political personalities he perceives as threats to his relevance.

“Wike’s constant attacks on Atiku and Amaechi are becoming increasingly childish and politically revealing. A politician who is genuinely confident of his political structure does not spend every available opportunity attacking those he claims are irrelevant.”

The ADC chieftain further maintained that 2027 will provide the ultimate test of Wike’s political relevance, arguing that the electorate, rather than political boasts, will determine who truly commands influence in Rivers State and Nigeria.

He stated that besides, Wike has never won any election in Rivers State except through rigging, induced insecurity and inducement of electoral Institutions

“Wike should wait for 2027. That is when the reality will become clear. Nigerians and Rivers people will demonstrate through the ballot box the extent of his relevance. All strategies designed to manipulate, intimidate or undermine democratic choice will be resisted by Nigerians who are determined to reclaim their democracy.”

Eze noted that Wike’s persistent references to former Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi have only continued to expose the depth of the minister’s political anxiety.

According to him, Amaechi’s place in Rivers political history cannot be erased by repeated attacks from Wike, stressing that political disagreements cannot rewrite established facts.

“Amaechi will remain Amaechi. Wike’s constant attacks cannot alter history or erase the political relationship and hierarchy that existed between them. The more Wike attempts to diminish Amaechi, the more he advertises his own obsession with him.”

Eze also dismissed Wike’s description of the recent Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference in Port Harcourt as a “flop” and his allegation that the NBA leadership was playing politics.

He described the conference as one of the most significant and successful NBA conferences held in Port Harcourt, noting that its focus on the legal profession, democratic governance, justice and the future of Nigeria demonstrated the capacity of the legal profession to engage the nation’s most important challenges.

Eze said Wike’s displeasure over not being invited should not be disguised as an assessment of the quality of the conference.

“If Wike was not invited, that should make him reflect rather than attack the NBA. Serious national conversations cannot be reduced to the question of whether one individual received an invitation.”

He added that the NBA remains an independent professional body whose leadership is entitled to determine the personalities and issues that best serve the objectives of its conferences.

Urging Wike to concentrate on governance and his responsibilities as FCT Minister rather than assuming that political structures are personal possessions that can be commanded indefinitely.

“Political structures belong to the people, not to individuals. Democracy is not a military formation where one man declares himself General Commander and everyone else must obey. In 2027, the people will decide.”

Warning that the era of political intimidation, manipulation and personal domination is gradually giving way to a new democratic consciousness, insisting that Nigerians are increasingly prepared to hold political leaders accountable.

“Wike may continue to make political declarations, attack Atiku, attack Amaechi and boast about his structures. But ultimately, the people will have the final say. 2027 will be the moment when political claims are tested against political reality.”