The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that no one or group can push him and his supporters out of President Bola Tinubu’s camp or derail their commitment to his re-election bid in Rivers State.
Wike made the statement on Saturday during his “thank-you” visit to Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, where he recalled the role Rivers people played in the 2023 presidential election.
According to him, Rivers State stood firmly with Tinubu against all odds, insisting that those who led the struggle from the onset would not allow latecomers to claim the credit now that the benefits of the decision were beginning to manifest.
“In 2023, we led the struggle here. We were members of the Renewed Hope Agenda from the very beginning and that was when we took the decision to support Tinubu,” Wike said.
He questioned the credibility of those now seeking to lead the Renewed Hope Agenda in the state, despite openly supporting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the last election.
“Now, those who were not there then, who went and supported Atiku Abubakar and refused to give him even 10 per cent votes, are now coming to say they want to lead the Renewed Hope Agenda. Is it possible?” he asked.
Using a local analogy, the minister added, “You were not there from the beginning. You didn’t go to buy the pepper, you didn’t go to buy the salt, and you didn’t go to buy the oil. Suddenly, food is done, you now jump in and want to be the one to eat first. Is that possible? Nobody in this state can push us out.”
Wike urged his supporters not to be distracted by what he described as “distractors” but to remain united and channel their energy toward ensuring Tinubu’s re-election.
He said, “These are the foot soldiers of the Renewed Hope family. If there is one state that the President knows he can go home and sleep with his two eyes closed, it is Rivers State.”
He explained that the visit was to appreciate the people for their support in 2023 and to encourage them to continue working together, assuring them that 2026 would be better than 2025.
Earlier, the Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Sir Allwell Ihunda, commended President Tinubu for ensuring that democratically elected council chairmen were in place across the state.
Ihunda also praised Wike’s record as governor of Rivers State, noting that his eight years in office were marked by numerous life-impacting projects that improved the standard of living for residents.
“We are ready for your directives on what to do in 2027. As soon as the directive comes, we will step into action,” Ihunda said.
Also speaking, Mrs Blessing Amadi, who represents Port Harcourt II Federal Constituency, lauded Wike for promoting women’s inclusion in governance by ensuring that women serve as vice chairmen in all local government areas of the state.
“This is the only state in the country that has given women so much recognition, and we applaud you for this,” she said.
Similarly, Mr Smart Adoki, representing Port Harcourt II Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, thanked Wike for taking what he described as a bold risk by supporting Tinubu in 2023, adding that the people of Rivers State were already reaping the rewards.
Adoki pledged continued loyalty to Wike, noting that the former governor still has more to offer the people of the state.