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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has vowed there will be no retreat on plans to restore political power to Rivers people in the 2027 elections, while promising to soon expose an eight-point peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu between him and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike made the declarations during separate “Thank You Visits” to Eleme and Tai Local Government Areas of Rivers State on Wednesday, where he rallied supporters behind President Tinubu’s reelection and warned against betrayal fuelled by money and greed.
In Eleme, Wike stressed the irreversible decision to back Tinubu for a second term and correct what he called a “leadership mistake” at the state level. “We are prepared; we have made a decision and we are not going back. I want you to be strong. Nobody will intimidate us,” he declared, adding, “No amount of money would change our course… we have done it before and we are going to do it again.”
He accused those entrusted with power in Rivers of being “misled by money and power,” noting that “greed and lack of gratitude lead to downfall.” Wike thanked Eleme residents for their steadfast support, highlighting unprecedented developments under Tinubu, including his own historic appointment as FCT Minister from the South-South. “In spite of all the troubles, Tinubu decided that I, a South South person, should be the Minister of FCT. It has never happened before,” he said.
Earlier in Eleme, Chief Aforji Igwe, the area’s representative in the Rivers State Assembly, hailed Wike as a “fair, just and a man of integrity,” pledging continued backing. Eleme Local Government Chairman, Chief Obarilormate Ollor, commended Wike’s infrastructural legacies as governor and assured solidarity. “The people were already aware of his directive for the reelection of Tinubu but awaiting the directive for the governorship election in 2027,” Ollor noted.
Shifting to Tai later, Wike turned to the peace deal Tinubu brokered in June 2023 to end the state’s political crisis. Without naming Fubara, he accused a party of reneging on the terms. “Very soon, we will let the people of Rivers State know what we agreed on before Mr President,” Wike stated, advising against trusting promise-breakers in politics.
He reiterated that Rivers people were “battle ready” for 2027, insisting “money would not work” and “what matters most is the will of the people.” Wike framed his visit as gratitude, not politicking: “It was a tough battle in 2023. You took a risk, worked with us and God gave us victory. See what the risk had resulted in—a federal university sited in Tai and many other benefits.”
Supporters in Tai echoed the loyalty. Senator Barry Mpigi (APC – Rivers South East) thanked Tinubu and Wike, saying, “The people never had it this good,” and assured, “I want to assure you on behalf of the people of Rivers South East, that we will continue to be with you.” Representative Bernard Nbar added, “You can count on the Tai people, because Tai people keep to their words.”
Tai Local Government Chairman, Mbakpone Okpe, praised the “blessing” of Wike’s 2023 directive, citing ongoing benefits like appointments and infrastructure. “We are eager to return Mr President for a second tenure. We will roll out all our votes for Tinubu and whoever you support,” Okpe vowed.
