Wike at 58, explains Position on Tinubu

By emmanuel MALAGU

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says he has no regrets openly supporting President Bola Tinubu, since 2022.

Wike said this at a special event organised to celebrate his 58th birthday anniversary in his Abuja residence on Saturday.

The minister stressed that his position had remained consistent before, during and after the 2023 presidential election.

He added that his political decisions were guided by the principles of character and integrity, adding that he never concealed his support for Tinubu from the outset.

Wike recalled that during the build-up to the 2023 presidential election, he was the only leading figure from the main opposition party, who openly declared support for Tinubu.

According to him, the decision is based on equity, fairness and justice, as well as a conviction that power should shift to the South.

“My leadership capacity was demonstrated in Rivers during the elections, where the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the presidential poll.

“Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victories in the National Assembly, governorship, State House of Assembly and local government elections under my watch.”

Wike thanked his political family and associates for standing solidly behind him, acknowledging the role they have played in shaping his leadership journey.

He said he remained fulfilled working with his people and pledged to continue collaborating closely with them in the interest of the people of Rivers and Nigeria at large.

The minister said that criticism and abuses didn’t bother him, adding that such were some of the things that kept him going.

Leaders from different political divides gathered to celebrate the achievements and political impact of the former Rivers governor.

Some of the dignitaries were; serving and former members of the National Assembly from Rivers, and members of the Rivers House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule,

Others were chairmen of local government areas, as well as close friends and political associates, who assured him of their continued support.

The dignitaries took turns to extol the virtues of the minister, describing him as an “achiever and astute politician”, whose impacts were visible across the country.

Desmond Akawor, Rivers Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and former PDP Chairman, described the FCT minister as the “naked wire” of Rivers politics.

Akawor, who served as the Director-General of Nyesom Wike’s 2015 governorship campaign, added that the minister’s feat was a proof that Tinubu picked the right person from the PDP to work with.

Also speaking, Amaewhule thanked Wike for being a leader with a strong shoulder for everyone to lean on.

He pledged the assembly members’ continued loyalty and support, saying, “wherever our leader (Wike) goes, we will follow him, whoever he is supporting, we will also support”.

For his part, Allwell Ihunda, Chairman, Port Harcourt City Local Government and Rivers Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), extolled Wike’s virtues, describing him as a “consistent and compassionate leader”.

Other dignitaries who spoke at the event were Chairman of the Wike's Faction of PDP National Caretaker Committee, Mohammed Abdulrahman and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Mao Ohuabunwa.

Its National Vice Chairman (South South), Dan Orbih and his APC counterpart, Victor Giadom as well as former Governor of Abia, Okieze Ikpeazu also poured out their blessings on the FCT minister.

Others were Sandy Onor, Magnus Abe, George Sekibo, and Bari Mpigi as the event ended with special prayers for the minister and his family.

Credit NAN: Texts excluding Headline