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• Monarch hails minister as dependable ally, leader to follow, endorses Tinubu’s economic gains
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has stoked the political fire in Rivers State with his vow that the ‘leadership mistake’ will be corrected in 2027.
Speaking during a ‘thank you’ visit to the people of Khana in Bori, Khana Local Government Area, Wike signalled an early start to political mobilisation, declaring that political activities in the state would effectively kick off in January 2026.
“We will not make mistakes again,” Wike told the gathering pointedly without mentioning Fubara by name. “The one we made, have they said thank you? If you make another mistake, that means they will drive you out.”
“We will not make the same mistake again at the state level in 2027 but we will talk about it later when the time comes.
“Just follow your leaders. Anywhere you see them going, that is where we are going.”
According to him, leaders are elected to represent the will of the people and not for personal agenda.
Wike noted that the people of Khana took a risk and supported Tinubu in 2023 when others were afraid to do so.
“During the turbulent period, Khana stood with us and now you have benefitted, from good roads to university of environment, among others, because of the love of Mr. President. So many appointments have come to Ogoniland and more are still coming.”
While urging residents to appreciate President Bola Tinubu for what he described as tangible benefits to Rivers State, including federal appointments and the establishment of the Federal University of Environment, Wike stressed that support for Tinubu transcended party lines.
The minister pointed out that the Rivers people would no longer vote based on party, but based on ‘family’ for the development of the state under Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’
“For us, there’s nothing like APC or PDP. What we have is Renewed Hope,” Wike declared. “We are not voting based on party but because we belong to one political family—the Renewed Hope family.”
In a veiled reference to Governor Fubara’s support for President Tinubu following his recent defection to the APC, Wike said: “If you like, shout mandate 20 times. We have shouted mandate since 2023. It is no longer new to us.”
Earlier, Dumnamene Dekor (APC – Khana) commended Wike and Tinubu for making Ogoniland the pride of the nation.
He thanked the former governor for visiting communities in Rivers, stressing that people were ready to do what he asked and go where he wanted them to go.
“We are proud to be associated with you, and whatever you asked us to do, we shall do and wherever you asked us to go, we shall go.”
He assured Wike that the lawmakers from Rivers had surrendered their mandate to Tinubu.
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Mrs Barile Nwakoh (APC Khana I State Constituency), who spoke on behalf of women, thanked Wike for remembering the people of Khana.
Nwakoh said the minister was receiving enormous support in Rivers because of his goodwill, sincerity and love for the people.
She said that the women of Khana were ready to vote for Tinubu if he decided to contest for second tenure.
“We are ready to work for Tinubu. Please tell Mr President that we are here for him and ready to work for his re-election,” she said.
Chairman of Khana Local Council, Dr Thomas Bariere, commended Wike for being there for the people of the area, adding that when the right people occupied offices, good things happen.
“Since our support for President Tinubu, things have become better for the people of Khana.
“You have supported everything good for the people of Khana and we are very grateful for this.”
Bariere assured Wike of the continued support of the people of the council area.
Meanwhile, paramount ruler of Emohua Kingdom, Eze Ohna Sergeant Chidi Awuse, has praised Wike as a steadfast ally and exemplary leader worthy of emulation by his people. Awuse, who also chairs the South South Monarchs Forum, made the remarks during Wike’s special Christmas visit to Rumuche Emohua in Emohua Local Government Area. The monarch expressed unwavering loyalty, declaring: “I want to put it on record. You’re a man to be followed; you’re a dependable ally; a friend to Omuoha people and our leader.
“Your Excellency, Emohua owes you everything and we are not going to wait for you to tell us what to do when the time comes.
“We have decided that wherever you put your foot, Emohua local government will follow you.”
In a strong endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Awuse highlighted economic achievements under Tinubu’s leadership. Drawing from his background as a former accountant and politician, he said: “Before I became a traditional ruler I was an accountant first and then I became a politician.
“From my accounting and finance understanding, Tinubu has done very well.
“The indices are so clear. The value of the Naira has gone up. He has done well.
“The external reserve of the nation has also increased to more than 47 billion dollars.”
Awuse credited Tinubu’s influence for Wike’s transformative work in Abuja, urging the minister to ignore detractors. “In life, if you expect not to have enemies then you’re a master of nobody. Only a man who is doing well is spoken about,” he advised.
The monarch commended Wike’s annual end-of-year visits to acknowledge community support and his consistent aid to Emohua residents, adding: “If I don’t thank you publicly, where will I say it?”
