Fayose warns governors on control – “Wike can only set fire if you’re weak”

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has commented on the recent remarks by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, suggesting that governors who fully control their states have nothing to fear from Wike’s threats.

This statement comes after Wike issued a warning to 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 state.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, 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 emphasized 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 forceful political tactics, reportedly stated at a PDP congress in Port Harcourt that he would incite a crisis if any PDP governor meddled in Rivers State party dynamics.

Fayose’s response highlights the importance of maintaining robust leadership to counter such threats effectively.