Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said Rivers State should continue supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing the numerous federal appointments and development projects the state has enjoyed under the current administration.
Wike made the remarks on Saturday in Port Harcourt during a luncheon organised by the Rainbow Coalition in honour of candidates contesting the forthcoming governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly elections in Rivers State.
The former Rivers State governor urged residents to compare the benefits the state has received under the Tinubu administration with those recorded under previous governments, insisting that Rivers people have gained significantly within less than three years.
According to him, the state has received notable recognition through federal appointments and opportunities extended to its citizens.
“From 2023 to now, compare what Rivers State has benefited under this administration with what it got under previous governments. Look at the appointments and opportunities that have come to Rivers State. Compare them and tell yourselves the truth,” he said.
Wike added that President Tinubu had demonstrated goodwill towards the people of Rivers State, making continued support for his administration necessary.
“President Tinubu has shown so much appreciation to Rivers people. We have no choice but to continue supporting him,” he stated.
The FCT minister also dismissed ethnic and sectional sentiments in politics, stressing that governance, performance and development should remain the major considerations for voters.
He urged political supporters to focus on grassroots mobilisation rather than media appearances, noting that elections are won at polling units, wards and local government areas.
“Television will not give you votes. What gives votes is going to your polling units, your wards and your local governments. Deliver your polling unit, deliver your ward and deliver your local government,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the strength of the Rainbow Coalition, Wike declared that the group would remain a major force in future elections in the state.
“If you want to be relevant in Rivers politics, come and join the Rainbow Coalition. If you want to be governor, senator, House of Representatives member or councillor, come and join us,” he said.
The minister also warned against attempts to undermine the interests of Rivers State, maintaining that although the people are peaceful, they would not allow anyone to take advantage of that disposition.
“Rivers people are peaceful, but nobody should take our peaceful disposition for granted. Nobody can come here and hijack what belongs to our people,” he said.
Wike further extended an olive branch to aggrieved politicians, calling on them to return and work with the coalition for the progress and development of the state.
“I am using this opportunity to forgive everybody. Come back home sincerely and let us work together for the progress of Rivers State,” he said.
The former governor maintained that leadership should be based on competence, commitment and the ability to improve the welfare of the people rather than ethnic or religious considerations.
“It does not matter where a leader comes from. What matters is that the person will not make us regret supporting him. Our concern is good governance and the development of Rivers State,” he added.
Among those present at the event were the governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Action Alliance (AA), Kingsley Chinda, Sam Ejekwu and Ben Eke, respectively, while the Labour Party candidate, Chima Bons, was represented.
Wike Says Rivers Must Continue Supporting Tinubu, Cites Appointments, Development Projects
