Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has told his estranged political godson to resist the temptation of pulling down the ladder he used in getting to his position.
Wike said: “Don’t pull the ladder that you used in climbing. When you are coming down, the ladder may not be there. And leave the ladder too so that other people can also climb the ladder.”
The former governor reportedly spoke at his residence in Port Harcourt, the state capital while addressing the traditional ruler of Ogbaland, who came to felicitate with him on the occasion of his birthday.
The chiefs and other members of the traditional institution from Ogbaland in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the state were led by their traditional ruler, Nwachukwu Nnam.
Wike assured the monarch that he would listen, insisting that he was disposed to peaceful resolution of the crisis.
The minister debunked claims that the political impasse was an ethnic war, insisting that it had no tribal colouration.
He said: “We didn’t vote based on ethnicity…but for the unity of Rivers. We shall never be part of violence, but will always support peace.
“There are rules within the political group you emerge. You cannot say that because an Oba has emerged and then an Oba will not follow the rules of the traditional institution.
“No; an Oba will always obey the rules. So also in politics, there are things you must not do and there are things you must do.”