Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has clapped back at his critics, declaring that bitterness, noise and insults mean nothing in politics, insisting that power, interests and votes are what truly matter.
The outspoken former Rivers governor made the bold declaration on Sunday during the grand finale of his “thank you” tour to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, his political fortress, where thousands of supporters, party leaders and lawmakers gathered in a show of strength.
Addressing the cheering crowd, Wike said his political journey was a conscious choice, stressing that he never pretended to be anything else.
“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 said.
He told critics to allow him play his politics without interference, adding that emotions have no place in political calculations.
Wike said his return to Obio/Akpor was driven by gratitude, describing appreciation as a key 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,” he said.
The FCT minister warned that Rivers politics is decided by interests and raw power, not sentiments, insisting that Obio/Akpor remains the political kingmaker in the state.
“Power is not given but taken,” Wike declared.
“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 making a decision.
“So, if you like, abuse us, after abusing us, come and look for our votes and we will punish you with the votes,” he thundered.
Wike also brushed aside calls for his removal, saying such decisions are beyond public agitation.
“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,” he said.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu knows his value and does not need anyone to dictate how he runs his government.
Wike added that Tinubu has delivered tangible benefits to Rivers State and assured that the people would repay the gesture at the polls in 2027.
Earlier, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, laid bare Obio/Akpor’s political muscle, revealing that the LGA controls over 684,000 votes out of Rivers State’s 3.5 million registered voters.
“With such voting strength, nobody can challenge the political power of Obio/Akpor in this state,” Chinda said, adding, “Just go home. Tell us what you want us to do and we will do it.”
Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government, Dr Gift Worlu, described Wike as a “gift” to the council, Rivers State and the nation, praising his performance across all levels of public service.
Worlu said backing Tinubu in 2023 had resulted in “harvest upon harvest” of benefits for the people, assuring that the LGA already knows its direction ahead of 2027.
On the governorship contest, he added, “We do not know where to go yet, but we know where not to go.”
Also speaking, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, pledged unwavering support for Wike and promised even stronger backing for Tinubu’s re-election.
“Tell Mr President that what we did for him in 2023 we will do even better in 2027,” he said.
