The prestigious Aprioku family of Okrika, Rivers State, has taken a firm stand against what it calls an attempt by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to tarnish its reputation and undermine its legacy of public service, integrity, and professionalism on the basis that he is not happy with Rivers state Governor, Sim Fubara emerging as the winner in the 2023 gubernatoral election in the State.
Speaking at the media chat, by the representatives of the family, Chief (Dr.) Bernard Atonbere Aprioku-Okome and Prof. Innocent Miebaka Aprioku, the family condemned Wike’s remarks during a recent media chat, calling them baseless, defamatory, and a desperate attempt to mislead the public.
The controversy stems from Wike’s criticism of Honourable Justice Sika Henry Aprioku of the High Court of Rivers State and Venerable (TPL Dr.) Minakuro Aprioku, a former Director of Development Control and Enforcement in the Rivers State Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning. Wike accused Justice Aprioku of bias in his judgment concerning the Rivers State House of Assembly crisis, linking it to an alleged vendetta over his brother’s suspension from public service. He further implied that Dr. Minakuro Aprioku was responsible for a building collapse during Wike’s tenure as governor.
The Aprioku family swiftly debunked these claims, providing a detailed account of events that exposed the falsehoods in Wike’s allegations. According to the family, Justice Aprioku’s ruling in the case “The Registered Trustees of Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners v. Government of Rivers State & 2 Ors” was rooted in sound legal principles, citing Supreme Court precedents that validated the legitimacy of a reduced legislative assembly.
They reminded Wike that during his own tenure as governor, he governed Rivers State with only six members of the House of Assembly between 2015 and 2017, yet he now condemns Governor Sim Fubara for operating with four. The family insisted that Wike’s attack on Justice Aprioku was an attempt to intimidate the judiciary and discredit judgments that did not align with his political interests.
Regarding Dr. Minakuro Aprioku, the family presented irrefutable evidence that he was never dismissed over the building collapse. Instead, he was exonerated by a Civil Service Commission Committee led by Chief Sir Mike Elechi, which found that the indictment against him was baseless and unsupported by evidence. Dr. Minakuro Aprioku had, in fact, taken legal action against the Rivers State government, resulting in his reinstatement and full payment of his salaries before his statutory retirement.
The Aprioku family further emphasized that their legacy is built on generations of excellence, education, and service to society. They highlighted their deep-rooted contributions to Rivers State, tracing their lineage to Isaiah Atonbere Aprikalaoku, one of the first Okrika sons to receive a formal education in the 1890s, and the late Henry Iwokiri Isaiah Aprioku, a renowned educator who shaped the academic foundations of countless professionals.
In a scathing rebuke, the family questioned Wike’s own background, asking what legacy of education and integrity he could claim. They decried his history of political strong-arming, media propaganda, and what they described as a pattern of reckless statements aimed at undermining those who stand in his way.
The family also raised concerns over the safety of Justice Aprioku, urging the public to hold Wike accountable for any threats or harm that may come to him. They warned that Wike’s pattern of attacking judicial officers was dangerous and unbecoming of a public official, especially one who claims to be a Life Bencher of the legal profession.
As the political climate in Rivers State continues to heat up, the Aprioku family’s bold response has sent a clear message: their name, built on decades of honor and service, will not be tarnished by political vendettas or baseless accusations. They called on Rivers people and Nigerians to see through Wike’s tactics and stand on the side of truth and justice.
With this dramatic showdown, one thing is certain—Nyesom Wike has picked a fight with a family that refuses to back down.
