By Hudu Yakubu, Port Harcourt
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has dismissed criticisms trailing his political choices, insisting that politics is driven by interests, power and the will of the people, not sentiment or emotions.
The Minister stated this 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.
While addressing thousands of his loyalist and supporters at the event, Wike stressed that his decision to venture into politics was deliberate and not accidental.
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 borne 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.
He rejected allegations of betrayal and imposture, maintaining that he understands leadership, loyalty and the dynamics of power.
“I have never told anyone that I am a traitor. If I wanted to be one, I know exactly who I would align with. I understand leadership and loyalty”, he said.
Wike emphasised that politics must be approached with clarity, warning against emotional reactions and distractions.
According to him, “Politics is not sentiment. It is not emotion. Politics is interest the interest of your people and your group. Power is not automatic, and it is not for everyone”.
He underscored the importance of electoral strength, noting that power ultimately rests with the people’s votes.
“Our power is the vote. If I produce 5,000 votes, that is strength. If I mobilise 40 per cent, that is influence. We will use our strength where it matters. That is not a threat; it is reality”, he said.
Wike also cautioned against undermining the electorate, insisting that no government can succeed without popular support.
“There is no hidden power greater than the will of the people. Abuse us if you like, but remember power rests with the vote,” he added.
Earlier, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, described Wike as a leader honoured in his home, noting the overwhelming turnout of Obio/Akpor residents.
“Your Excellency, the people you see here have been here since 7:00am under the sun waiting to hear you. You came to say thank you, but we owe you gratitude”, Chinda said.
He revealed that Obio/Akpor accounts for 684,812 out of Rivers State’s over 3.5 million registered voters, declaring that Wike remains politically unshakable in the state.
“This is your home. Nobody can threaten you in Rivers State,” he said.
Chinda further recalled how Wike mobilised support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 elections, adding that the people have since seen the benefits of that decision.
He assured the Minister that, “You told us to support President Tinubu, and today we can see the results. Come 2027, we will do even more”.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Martins Amaewhule, pledged the continued loyalty of Obio/Akpor and the Assembly to Wike and President Tinubu.
“When you go back to Abuja, tell Mr President that what we did in 2023, we will surpass it in 2027,” Amaewhule said.
He described Wike as the political leader of Rivers State, assuring that distractions would not weaken his influence or political structure.
The event, attended by thousands of supporters, marked the climax of Wike’s statewide appreciation tour, further reinforcing his political dominance in Rivers State and his commitment to mobilising support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.