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• urges Rivers voters to back president, Rainbow Coalition candidates
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that President Bola Tinubu deserves a second term in office, citing his decision to remove the petrol subsidy as evidence of the courage he said previous administrations lacked.
Wike made the declaration on Monday at a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he urged residents to support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 and candidates endorsed by the coalition.
The minister acknowledged the economic hardship Nigerians were experiencing following the removal of the petrol subsidy but argued that the reform had increased revenue available to state and local governments, providing them with greater resources to meet their obligations.
According to him, Nigeria needs leaders who can take difficult and unpopular decisions in the country’s long-term interest rather than succumb to criticism.
“We know what Nigerians are going through, but we are sure that things will get better.
“Most importantly, we know what this country was like before now. But leadership is key to the growth of a family, an association, a church or any business,” he said.
Wike described Tinubu’s decision to end the petrol subsidy regime shortly after assuming office on May 29, 2023, as an example of decisive leadership, arguing that the policy had placed a significant financial burden on the country.
He said the subsidy had constrained the government’s ability to meet obligations to workers, pensioners and public institutions, maintaining that the additional revenue accruing to subnational governments had created opportunities for improved service delivery.
The minister, however, admitted that the reforms had not resolved all the country’s challenges, urging Nigerians to exercise patience as the government pursued economic stability.
Drawing from his experience as Rivers State governor, Wike said leaders must be prepared to withstand criticism and temporary inconveniences when implementing projects expected to deliver long-term benefits.
He recalled that his administration proceeded with major flyover projects despite complaints about disruptions to businesses and transportation, arguing that the eventual benefits justified the difficulties encountered during construction.
Wike also cautioned Nigerians against entrusting the country’s future to politicians he described as political gamblers, urging voters to examine the records of those seeking public office.
“Don’t carry your destiny to political gamblers,” he told the gathering.
He said the town hall meeting was organised to provide residents with information on political developments and enable them to make informed decisions, adding that misinformation and political propaganda had influenced some choices during the 2023 general election.
The minister urged residents not to repeat what he described as past mistakes, insisting that voters should assess political leaders based on their records and capacity to deliver on their promises.
He also cautioned religious leaders against allowing partisan politics to distract them from their spiritual responsibilities, arguing that politicians should take responsibility for explaining political issues to the public.
Wike described Eleme as an economically strategic area, saying its importance to Nigeria’s economic activities made it necessary for residents to take informed decisions about the country’s political future.
The former Rivers governor also used the meeting to rally support for the Rainbow Coalition, an alliance comprising politicians from different parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Identifying himself as a national leader of the PDP, Wike said members of the coalition had agreed to work together and support candidates contesting under the APC platform in the forthcoming elections.
He urged residents to support Tinubu’s re-election bid, as well as the coalition’s preferred candidates for governorship, legislative and other elective positions.
According to him, the alliance is intended to promote political cooperation, strengthen ties between Rivers State and the Federal Government, and advance the state’s development.
“We don’t want Rivers of blood. We don’t want rivers of shooting. The two main political parties in this state are APC and PDP. They have joined together with other political parties to say, ‘Let there be peace in Rivers State, let there be development and unity’,” he said.
Wike maintained that political differences should not be allowed to fuel violence or undermine governance, calling on residents to support the coalition’s candidates in the interest of peace and stability.
He further stressed the importance of cooperation among the Federal Government, the Rivers State Government and elected representatives, arguing that such collaboration would help advance the state’s interests.
The town hall meeting was attended by political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths and representatives of political parties participating in the Rainbow Coalition.
