By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike has knocked critics over his decision to be a politician, adding that politics is driven by interests, power, and the will of the people, not sentiment or emotions.
The minister made this known on Sunday during the grand finale of his “thank you” tour to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, his political base, where he addressed a massive crowd of supporters and political leaders.
He told thousands of his loyalists and supporters at the event, Wike stressed that his decision to venture into politics was deliberate and not accidental.
To his critics and distractors, the minister explained that he chose to be a politician and not a pastor, a trader, a public commentator, or a journalist, urging them to allow him to play his politics.
Wike hinted that, “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.”
He added that his visit to Obio/Akpor was born out of gratitude, noting that acknowledging support is a fundamental principle 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,” Wike said.
Wike noted that there is no sentiment or emotion in politics; what matters is interest—the interest of the people.
“Power is not given but taken, but for the people of Obio/Akpor, we have the power to dictate who becomes a governor in Rivers.”
“Nobody has become governor in this state without Obio/Akpor making a pronouncement; nobody has become a senator of Rivers East without Obio/Akpor deciding.”
“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.”
According to him, Tinubu knows his worth, so he does not need anybody to tell him what to do, adding that Mr. President has done so much for Rivers people and that the people would return the favour in 2027.
Earlier, Mr. Kingsley Chinda, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, pointed out that Obio/Akpor has over 684,000 votes out of the 3.5 million registered voters in Rivers State.
Chinda, who represents the LGA in the Green Chamber, said that 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,” he told the minister.
Chairman of the Council, Dr. Gift Worlu, described Wike as a “gift” to the LGA, the state, and the country due to his outstanding performance in public service at the local, state, and national levels.
Worlu thanked the minister for the numerous things he has done for the people of the LGA, adding that supporting the election of Tinubu in 2023 had led to the harvest of benefits by the people.
He assured the minister that the people know where to go in the 2027 presidential election in the state.
Speaking on the gubernatorial election, the chairman said, “We do not know where to go yet, but we know where not to go.”
Moreover, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, reassured the minister of the full support of people in the local government area.
Amaewhule added that members of the State Assembly would continue to pray for him and support his call for the reelection of Tinubu for a second term.
“Tell Mr. President that what we did for him in 2023, we will do even better in 2027,” he assured.
End
