The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has restated his firm support for President Bola Tinubu, stressing that political understandings must be honoured and criticising what he described as selective loyalty by some political actors in Rivers State.
Wike spoke during a visit to Rivers State, where he attended a public function and an end-of-year thanksgiving service in Ochigba, Ahoada East Local Government Area.
The gathering, hosted by former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, attracted prominent political figures and party stakeholders from across the state.
Addressing stakeholders after the event, the former Rivers State governor recalled that he and his supporters openly backed Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, a decision he said was taken at a time when doing so carried significant political risk in the state. He explained that their support was based on conviction rather than convenience, adding that loyalty demonstrated during difficult moments should not be forgotten.
Wike noted that many individuals who now publicly proclaim support for the President were absent when such backing was most needed. He said his political approach is grounded in consistency and respect for agreements, warning that the failure to honour political commitments often breeds instability.
From Ochigba, the minister proceeded to the Rivers State Assembly Quarters, where he was received by the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule. The Speaker expressed appreciation for Wike’s continued backing of the Assembly, describing his involvement as vital to maintaining stability within the legislature.
Speaking to the lawmakers, Wike praised them for respecting the terms of an existing peace agreement in the state, but criticised what he described as external political interests attempting to benefit from Rivers State without regard for its people. He accused such forces of exploiting the state’s resources while encouraging internal divisions.
The minister also revealed that full-scale political activities would resume from January next year, making it clear that his political camp would not retreat from engagement or contestation. He insisted that “agreement is agreement,” emphasising that commitments must be respected regardless of pressure or changing political circumstances.
While the visit reflected the strength of existing political alliances, Wike’s remarks also underscored unresolved tensions within Rivers State politics, fuelling debate over whether the current fragile peace can endure in the year ahead.
What you should know
Nyesom Wike remains one of the most influential political figures in Rivers State and a key ally of President Bola Tinubu, despite his roots in the opposition PDP.
His role in delivering Rivers State for Tinubu in the 2023 election reshaped the state’s political landscape. Wike’s repeated emphasis on loyalty and agreements reflects ongoing power struggles within the state, particularly between rival political blocs.
These tensions continue to shape legislative stability, party alignments, and future electoral calculations in Rivers State.
