Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed criticisms surrounding his political choices, insisting that politics is driven by interests, power and the will of the people, not emotions or sentiment.
Wike made this assertion on Sunday during a “thank you” visit to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, his political stronghold, where he addressed supporters and political leaders.
The minister stressed that his foray into politics was a deliberate decision, noting that he consciously chose to be a politician and not a pastor, trader, journalist or public commentator.
“I did not say I wanted to be a journalist. I did not say I wanted to shape public opinion through writing. I said clearly that I wanted to be a politician and that is what I am,” Wike said.
Explaining the purpose of his visit, he said it was borne out of gratitude to the people of Obio/Akpor for their support, describing appreciation as a core principle of leadership.
“This time, I called on you and you responded positively. I felt it was important to come back and say thank you. When someone does good to you, you acknowledge it. Gratitude matters,” he stated.
Wike further emphasised that there is no room for sentiment in politics, stressing that interest and power are what truly matter.
“Power is not given, it is taken. For the people of Obio/Akpor, we have the power to dictate who becomes governor in Rivers State,” he said.
According to him, no one has become governor or senator in Rivers East without the backing of Obio/Akpor, warning that political actors who insult the people would eventually return to seek their votes.
“If you like, abuse us. After abusing us, you will still come and look for our votes, and we will punish you with the votes,” Wike declared.
He also dismissed calls for his removal, stating that only President Bola Tinubu, who appointed him, has the authority to decide his fate.
“Don’t bother about people who say ‘sack him.’ If my appointor believes that I cannot offer anything again, he has the right. It is not in your place to tell him what to do,” he said, adding that Tinubu understands his value.
Wike noted that President Tinubu has done much for Rivers State and expressed confidence that the people would reciprocate the gesture in the 2027 elections.
Earlier, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, highlighted the political strength of Obio/Akpor, noting that the LGA has over 684,000 voters out of the 3.5 million registered voters in Rivers State.
With such voting power, Chinda said no one could challenge the political influence of the local government area in the state.
“Just go home. Tell us what you want us to do and we will do it,” he told the minister.
Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government, Dr Gift Worlu, described Wike as a “gift” to the LGA, Rivers State and the nation, citing his performance in public service at local, state and national levels.
Worlu thanked the minister for his contributions to the area, stating that supporting Tinubu’s election in 2023 had brought multiple benefits to the people. He assured Wike of the LGA’s support in the 2027 presidential election.
On the governorship race, Worlu said, “We do not know where to go yet, but we know where not to go.”
Also speaking, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, reaffirmed the support of the people of Obio/Akpor for Wike and pledged continued backing for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
“Tell Mr President that what we did for him in 2023, we will do even better in 2027,” Amaewhule said
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