Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that neither he nor his supporters can be forced out or distracted from backing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in Rivers State.
Wike made the assertion on Saturday during a “thank you” visit to Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, where he reflected on the role Rivers people played in Tinubu’s 2023 victory, despite stiff opposition at the time.
According to the former Rivers governor, having taken the bold step to support Tinubu from the outset, he would not allow latecomers to hijack the credit now that the dividends of that decision were becoming visible.
“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.
“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 that they want to lead the Renewed Hope Agenda. Is it possible?
“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.
“You did not participate in all these things. Suddenly food is done; you now jump in and want to be the one who will eat first. Is that possible? Nobody in this state can push us out,” he said.
Wike, while acknowledging attempts by some individuals to cause distractions, urged his supporters to remain steadfast, united and committed to mobilising support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
“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,” he said.
He explained that the visit was both to appreciate the people for their support in 2023 and to encourage continued cooperation among stakeholders, assuring them that 2026 would surpass 2025 in terms of progress.
Earlier, the Mayor of Port Harcourt City, Sir Allwell Ihunda, praised President Tinubu for ensuring that democratically elected council chairmen are in place in Rivers State.
Ihunda also lauded Wike’s eight-year tenure as governor, describing it as impactful, with numerous projects that improved the quality of life of residents.
“We are ready for your directives on what to do in 2027. As soon as the directive comes, we will step into action,” he said.
Similarly, Mrs BHarcourtlessing Amadi, who represents Port Harcourt II Federal Constituency, commended Wike for promoting women’s inclusion in governance by appointing women as vice chairmen across all local government areas in 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.
On his part, Mr Smart Adoki, representing Port Harcourt II in the Rivers State House of Assembly, expressed gratitude to Wike for taking the political risk of supporting Tinubu in 2023, noting that Rivers people were already enjoying the benefits of that decision.
Adoki reaffirmed his loyalty to Wike, saying the minister still has much more to offer the people of the state.
