The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticized the Rivers State House of Assembly for publicly disclosing that the state government has over ₦600 billion in its coffers.
Wike described the disclosure as a “grave mistake” that has exposed Rivers State to political opportunists, or “jobbers”, who are now seeking to siphon the state’s resources.
According to Wike, many Nigerian politicians are more interested in accessing Rivers State’s funds than contributing to its development.
He alleged that the financial information disclosed was not accurate and should not have been made public, as it has positioned the state as a target for individuals driven by personal gain rather than public service.
Wike warned that political “419” operators, based in Abuja, are constantly monitoring states perceived to be financially buoyant, and are now targeting Rivers State’s funds.
“They are after Rivers money,” Wike said, cautioning that such opportunists thrive on misinformation, influence, and access to power to defraud governments.
The FCT Minister made the remarks during a visit to the Rivers State House of Assembly, where he advised lawmakers to exercise greater discretion in handling sensitive state matters, particularly those relating to finances.
He emphasized that governance requires not only transparency but also wisdom and responsibility, warning that careless disclosures could expose the state to unnecessary pressure and exploitation.
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