As the countdown to the 2027 elections begins, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a blunt warning to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Tom, urging him to steer clear of partisan politics in Rivers State.
With political activities set to heat up, Wike cautioned the influential monarch to allow politicians handle their affairs without interference, stressing that the traditional institution was not being invited into the political battlefield.
“Allow us to play our politics. Don’t put your hand in it. We are not asking you to be involved; just allow us to play our game,” he said.
Despite the warning, Wike praised the monarch’s leadership, noting that his reign has brought lasting peace to Okrika, with the area largely free of crises.
“You hardly hear of crises here because of your leadership. Since you came, we have not heard of any crisis.”
Addressing residents earlier, Wike warned that any wrong political move ahead of 2027 would amount to “political burial,” declaring he would not repeat past mistakes.
Reaffirming his ties with the area, Wike described himself as an Ijaw man by affinity and thanked the Okrika people for standing by his political camp during recent turmoil.
He also credited President Bola Tinubu for restoring order in Rivers politics and ensuring local government elections, saying the 2023 gamble to support him had paid off.
“We took a risk in 2023 to support President Tinubu, and today we are benefiting from that decision,” he said.
Looking ahead, Wike vowed that only candidates with proven character would get his support in 2027, warning that slogans would no longer guarantee automatic tickets.
Meanwhile, leaders and stakeholders in Okrika, including George Sekibo, Akuro Tobin and Linda Stewart, rallied behind Wike, praising his leadership, appointments and ongoing projects, while pledging continued support for his political direction.
