The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has said Rivers State will continue to support President Bola Tinubu.
He pointed to the significant federal appointments and development projects the state has received under the current administration.
Wike stated this on Saturday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, during a luncheon organised by the Rainbow Coalition in honour of candidates participating in the 2027 governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly elections in Rivers State.
The former governor of Rivers State urged residents to assess the benefits the state received from previous administrations and compare them with what it has gained in less than three years under the Tinubu administration.
He said the people of Rivers should appreciate the president for recognising and rewarding the state.
“Since 2023, look at how much Rivers State has gained from this administration compared to what it received from past governments.
“Take a look at the appointments and opportunities that have come to Rivers State. Compare them and tell yourselves the truth.
“President Tinubu has shown great appreciation to the people of Rivers. We have to continue supporting him,” Wike said.
The minister dismissed the notion that ethnic and sectional sentiments should determine political choices.
Wike stressed that good governance and development should remain the key considerations for voters.
He urged his political supporters to focus on grassroots mobilisation rather than spending excessive time in the media.
He noted that elections are won at the polling unit level.
“Television will not give you votes. To get votes, you need to go to your polling units, which are in your wards and local governments.
“Make sure to take care of your polling unit, your ward, and your local government,” he said.
Wike also expressed confidence in the political strength of the Rainbow Coalition, saying the group would perform strongly in future elections in the state.
“If you want to have a say in Rivers politics, come and be part of the Rainbow Coalition.
“If you want to be a governor, senator, member of the House of Representatives, or councillor, come and be part of our group,” he said.
The FCT minister warned that any attempt to destabilise Rivers State would not be tolerated, insisting that the state would resist efforts to undermine its interests.
“The people of Rivers are calm and peaceful, but no one should mistake our peaceful nature for weakness.
“No one can come here and take what belongs to our people,” he said.
Wike also called on aggrieved politicians to return and work with the coalition, assuring them that there was room for reconciliation and cooperation.
“I am taking this opportunity to forgive everyone. Come back home with a sincere heart, and let us work together to move Rivers State forward,” he said.
The former governor maintained that leadership should be judged by competence and commitment to public service rather than ethnicity or religion.
“It doesn’t matter where a leader comes from. What matters is that the person will not disappoint us for supporting him.
“Our focus is on good governance and the development of Rivers State,” he said.
