• Criticism doesn’t bother me, no regrets backing President since 2022

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has celebrated Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister Nyesom Wike on his birthday, describing him as “one of the shining stars in my cabinet” and an “exceptional performer” whose infrastructure drive is transforming Abuja like never before.

In a State House press release issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu thanked God for Wike’s life of “purpose, service, and courage.”

He praised the former Rivers State governor as an “audacious top performer who defies obstacles and delivers results,” spotlighting his role in shattering a 14-year deadlock on the Apo-Karshi road project.

The President highlighted Wike’s “resilience, can-do attitude, and commitment to excellence,” noting his consistent delivery on the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda despite belonging to a different political party.

“Nyesom Wike has been one of the shining stars in the cabinet, an exceptional performer, developing infrastructure in the Federal capital as never seen before and proving that his moniker as ‘Mr Project’ is not limited to his home state of Rivers,” Tinubu said.

“I commend him for being one of the champions of our Renewed Hope Agenda, even though he belongs to another party and wish him well as he marks another year in his life journey,” the President added.

Tinubu wished Wike strength to sustain his “good work” in the FCT, amid ongoing expansions that are reshaping Nigeria’s capital city.

Meanwhile, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT),  Nyesom Wike yesterday declared he has no regrets for openly supporting President Bola Tinubu since 2022, a position he maintained before, during, and after the 2023 presidential election.

According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike spoke at a special early-morning event at his Abuja residence marking his 58th birthday anniversary.

He said his political decisions follow principles of character and integrity. “I never concealed my support for President Tinubu from the outset,” Wike stated.

He noted he was the only leading figure from the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to openly back Tinubu ahead of the 2023 election.

The minister cited equity, fairness, justice, and a conviction for power to shift to the South as reasons for his stance. In Rivers State during the elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the presidential poll, while the PDP took the National Assembly, governorship, State House of Assembly, and local government seats.

Wike thanked his political family and associates for their support. He pledged continued collaboration for Rivers State and Nigeria.

The minister said criticism and abuses do not bother him but keep him going. “Criticism, abuses don’t bother me,” Wike added.

Leaders from various political parties attended the event, including National Assembly lawmakers from Rivers State, both serving and former members. The Rivers State House of Assembly delegation led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, local government chairmen, friends, and political associates also joined.

Speakers praised Wike’s achievements and political role.

Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and former PDP chairman, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, called Wike the “naked wire” of Rivers politics.

 Akawor, ex-Director-General of Wike’s 2015 governorship campaign, said: “Wike’s feat had shown that President Bola Tinubu picked the right product from the PDP to work with.”

Speaker Martins Amaewhule led 27 House of Assembly members to the event. He thanked Wike for being a leader with a strong shoulder and promised loyalty.

“Wherever our leader (Wike) goes, we will follow him, whoever he is supporting, we will also support,” Amaewhule said.

Port Harcourt City Local Government Chairman and Rivers State Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) leader, Hon. Allwell Ihunda, spoke for the local government chairmen. He described Wike as a consistent and compassionate leader.

Other speakers included PDP National Caretaker Committee Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, PDP Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, PDP National Vice Chairman (South South) Chief Dan Orbih, APC’s Hon. Victor Giadom, former Abia State Governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, Senator Sandy Onor, Senator Magnus Abe, Senator George Sekibo, and Senator Bari Mpigi. The event ended with prayers for Wike and his family.