Speaking during a birthday visit at his Port Harcourt residence, Wike emphasizes the importance of leaving the ladder for others to climb, urging against actions that disrupt political stability.

“Don’t pull the ladder that you use in climbing. When you are coming down, the ladder may not be there,” Wike said on Sunday.

“And leave the ladder too so that other people can also climb the ladder.”

Wike, who has been embroiled in a dispute with his successor and incumbent governor of the oil-rich state, Siminalayi Fubara, spoke at his residence in Port Harcourt, the state capital while addressing the traditional ruler of Ogbaland who had come 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 the traditional ruler, Nwachukwu Nnam-Obi III, who sued for peace in the state.

In his response, Wike, who is also the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), assured the monarch that he will listen to his advice and that he is welcome to peaceful resolutions.

Responding to claims of ethnic tensions, Wike rejects the notion and reiterates the need for adherence to political rules for unity and peaceful coexistence.

“We didn’t vote based on ethnicity…but for the unity of Rivers,” the minister said.

“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.”