Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike on Saturday took his political consultations to Ogba Land, a kingdom in Rivers State, and appealed to the traditional leaders to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Addressing the traditional council at the Palace of the Oba (King) of Ogba Land, Nwachukwu Obuoha-Obi III, in Omoku, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers, Mr Wike said, “Supporting Tinubu is a support for prosperity.”
He noted that although traditional fathers remain non-partisan, the choices made in political governance directly impact the peace, economic welfare and infrastructure of their communities.
Mr Wike explained that his visit was aimed at enlightening the grassroots and traditional institutions on the political realities ahead of 2027.
“I know you are not a politician, but you are a Nigerian and a Rivers person, and whatever those in politics do will affect you,” the minister said. “That is why we want to inform you and your council so that your people will not make a mistake in 2027.”
The minister urged the kingdom to judge leaders by their past contributions rather than campaign promises, asking Nigerians to support Mr Tinubu based on track record, bold economic reforms, and infrastructure continuity.
He cited his track record as former governor of Rivers, pointing to major road construction projects.
“I am here because while I was governor, I could point to what I had done for the people. During my tenure, I never abandoned your people.
“That is the essence of government—making the people feel the impact,” he said.
Turning his attention to opposition candidates running under other platforms—including Rotimi Amaechi, who is vying for vice-president under the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—Mr Wike questioned their past contributions to Rivers while holding high federal offices.
He questioned what Mr Amaechi had brought to the Niger Delta, pointing out that regional seaports in Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Warri suffered from neglect.
“Before we support anyone, we must ask: the opportunity we gave you before, what did you do with it?” he said.
Defending Mr Tinubu’s economic policy direction, the minister explained that long-standing structural defects in the national economy required firm, courageous intervention rather than quick-fix promises.
Acknowledging current economic adjustments, Mr Wike stressed that fixing a comatose economy takes time.
“Solving the economy is not like going to a prayer house for instant healing. It is a process.
“The economy was in a comatose state, but we are seeing the results, and there is hope that these issues will be fully sorted out,” he said.
Mr Wike also cautioned the traditional leaders against supporting the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, stressing that politicians who contest repeatedly without vision were only seeking power to recoup past election expenses.
He urged the royal council and the people of Rivers to align with the ruling party across executive and legislative tiers to ensure structured representation, seamless information flow, and federal support.
“The president is doing quite well. Let us work together and maintain synergy to ensure our state remains strategically positioned,” he said.
Responding, Mr Obuoha-Oba assured Mr Wike that the kingdom stands fully united behind the President’s leadership.
“It is only a wicked man whose heart has no God in it that sees his brother going for something good, and he begins to pull the building on his bed. Such one should not prosper,” he said.
He said Mr Wike’s appointment and subsequent achievements have silenced critics, proving that leadership rooted in capacity, character, and content will always yield transformative results for the nation.
(NAN)
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