Jake Epelle, the founder of TAF Africa, has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to devote his full attention to his responsibilities in Abuja and stop inserting himself into political matters in Rivers State.
Epelle made the remarks on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief. His comments came amid renewed political unrest in Rivers following the recent defection of several state lawmakers to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The development has reignited tensions and revived public debate over Wike’s continued influence in the state’s political affairs.
According to Epelle, the idea that any individual can serve as a political godfather in a democratic system is fundamentally flawed. He stressed that Wike does not—and should not—occupy such a role in Rivers State.
“There is no place for godfatherism in a true democracy,” he said, arguing that the concept is a creation of Nigerian and African political culture, not democratic norms. Epelle maintained that Wike must allow Rivers residents and leaders to chart their own political course without external pressure.
He criticised what he described as attempts to dominate the political space in Rivers State, stating that the people would not continue to accept such control. “You cannot keep Rivers people under your thumb and expect that everything must align with your wishes,” he said. “There will be a collective pushback by resilient, peace-loving citizens who are determined to speak truth to power.”
Epelle concluded by urging Wike to concentrate on the duties assigned to him as FCT minister, stressing that Abuja requires his undivided attention. He insisted that both Rivers State and its people should be left to manage their own affairs without interference from the former governor.
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