The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has vowed to use the electoral power of his political base to punish his opponents, while dismissing calls for his removal from office as inconsequential.
Wike stated that the authority to sack him rests solely with President Bola Tinubu who appointed him, not with his critics.
He spoke on Sunday during a thank-you visit to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, where he addressed party leaders, traditional rulers, women, and youths, as part of his tour of Rivers State’s 23 local government areas.
The tour is aimed at appreciating residents for their support in the 2023 elections and canvassing continued backing for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.
Addressing the gathering, Wike stressed that politics is a game of interest and strength, not sentiment.
“There is no sentiment, there is no emotion. Politics is an interest; the interest of your people. Power is not given; we struggle for it,” Wike said.
He specifically highlighted the electoral strength of Obio/Akpor LGA, declaring it the decisive force in Rivers State politics.
“So for the people of Obio/Akpor, we have the power to dictate who becomes governor. All these people commenting from the sidelines, ask them if their local government, which produced only 5,000 votes, can challenge one that produced 40 per cent of the votes? Let us see how it will work. We will use our strength to punish them. Nobody has become governor in this state without Obio/Akpor making the pronouncement,” he asserted.
On the persistent calls by some quarters for his removal as FCT Minister, Wike was dismissive.
“Don’t bother about people who say ‘sack him.’ If my appointor believes I cannot offer anything again, he has the right, not that you should tell him. I am proud that the people of Obio/Akpor, the people of Rivers State, and Nigerians know we have not disappointed them in the FCT,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Gift Worlu, praised Wike’s political influence, describing him as a major asset. He commended Wike’s performance across various offices and stressed the council’s loyalty to his leadership.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, reaffirmed the legislature’s support for Wike and President Tinubu.
The visit comes against the backdrop of renewed political tension in Rivers State. On Thursday, the Rivers Assembly, led by Amaewhule, formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, over alleged gross misconduct.
The development marks a renewed escalation in the protracted political crisis in Rivers State, stemming from the fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike.
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