Presidency Reacts Over Wike’s ”Refusal” For Buhari To Visit Rivers State

President Muhammadu Buhari’s spokesman, Femi Adesina, has said that if Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state does not want his principal to visit, “it’s left to him and the federal government to decide the next step”. Adesina in an interview with State House reporters, explained that Buhari planned to visit Rivers because of the recent killing of some persons in parts of the state.


According to him, Governor Nyesom Wike was faulting the proposed visit based on wrong premise.

He also said the president wants to condole with the families of those affected by various killings in the state.

“If he (Wike) doesn’t understand, the rest of the country understands. We understand, other Nigerians understand. Even people in Rivers state understand because on New Year Day, a minimum of 24 people were killed in Omoku.

“So, is that not crisis? And can you count the number of people that have been beheaded in Rivers state in recent times?

“People will be killed and heads will be cut off and the assailants will go away with the heads. So, can anybody say that there is no security issue in that kind of place?

“It’s left to the governor. He’s the chief security officer. If he says there’s no security crisis in his state, good luck to him,” Adesina said.

On what will become of the trip if the governor does not welcome it, Adesina said: “I’m sure he will be formally informed of the date. So, if he now says he doesn’t want the visit, it’s left to him and the federal government to decide the next step.”