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• Rivers Assembly Speaker, Amaewhule assures Tinubu: “we did it in 2023 we will do even better in 2027
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, fired back at his detractors on Sunday, urging them not to hold grudges over his political decisions while reaffirming Obio/Akpor Local Government Area’s iron grip on Rivers State’s electoral power.
Speaking at the grand finale of his “thank you” tour in Obio/Akpor—his political stronghold—Wike who addressed thousands of supporters, dismissed those he called emotional critiques and emphasising that politics revolves around interests, power, and the people’s will. “I did not say I wanted to be a journalist. I did not say I wanted to shape public opinion through writing. I said clearly that I wanted to be a politician and that is what I am,” Wike declared, urging critics to let him “play his politics” without interference.
Wike expressed deep gratitude to the crowd for their past support, framing his visit as a reciprocal act of leadership. “This time, I called on you and you responded positively. I felt it was important to come back and say thank you. When someone does good to you, you acknowledge it. Gratitude matters,” he said. He stressed that politics lacks sentiment, adding, “Power is not given but taken.”
Asserting Obio/Akpor’s dominance, Wike boasted of the area’s history in shaping Rivers outcomes. “Nobody has become governor in this state without Obio/Akpor making a pronouncement; nobody has become a senator of Rivers East without Obio/Akpor making a decision,” he stated.
“So, if you like, abuse us, after abusing us, come and look for our votes and we will punish you with the votes. Don’t bother about people who say ‘sack him.’ If my appointor believes that I cannot offer anything again, he has the right; it is not in your place to tell him what to do.”
Wike praised President Bola Tinubu’s contributions to Rivers people, hinting at strong 2027 support. “Tinubu knows his worth and as such, does not need anybody to tell him what to do,” he noted, predicting the state would return the favour.
Earlier, House of Representatives Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, who represents the LGA, highlighted its voting muscle—over 684,000 out of Rivers’ 3.5 million registered voters. “With such voting strength, nobody would challenge the political power of the LGA in the state. Just go home. Tell us what you want us to do and we will do it,” Chinda told Wike.
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Obio/Akpor Council Chairman Gift Worlu hailed Wike as a “gift” to the LGA, state, and nation, crediting his support for Tinubu’s 2023 win with ongoing benefits. “We do not know where to go yet for the gubernatorial election, but we know where not to go,” Worlu said, assuring loyalty in the 2027 presidential race.
Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule echoed the sentiment, pledging prayers and votes. “Tell Mr President that what we did for him in 2023 we will do even better in 2027,” he vowed.
