The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described himself as Nigeria’s most abused politician after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declaring that political activities in Rivers State will officially begin in January 2026.
Wike made the remarks on Saturday at a special thanksgiving service organised by Chibudom Nwuche of the South-South Development Commission and his family. The event was held in Ochiba community, Nwuche’s hometown in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The former Rivers State governor said he does not renege on agreements and reaffirmed his unwavering support for President Tinubu. He also expressed gratitude to the people of Ahoada East and Ahoada West local government areas for their consistent support over the years.
“This is the first local government area we are visiting to say thank you for standing with us all through these years,” Wike said.
“As the pastor said today, God detests ingratitude. For everything you have done for us, for standing by us, we say thank you—thank you very much.”
Recalling the 2023 general elections, Wike praised the residents for remaining steadfast despite uncertainty surrounding the outcome.
“You remember in 2023 when things were tough and nobody knew how the election would turn out. Some people said it would be difficult for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to win. Many people could not even come out to vote for him,” he said.
“But we met here as leaders and decided that in politics, you must take a stand and defend it. Whether people think it is good or bad, you must make a decision. We stood firm and said, ‘On your mandate we stand.’ And to the glory of God, today he is the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He credited Rivers State residents with helping to strengthen Tinubu’s mandate.
“You are the ones who made the mandate strong as far as Rivers State is concerned,” Wike said.
The FCT minister made a veiled reference to the recent defection of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), suggesting that some supporters were late in openly backing Tinubu.
“Those you now see chanting ‘On your mandate we stand’ were not there when it mattered most. They could not come out then to say, ‘Vote for Bola Ahmed Tinubu,’” he said.
“But you stood firm and voted for him. That struggle will not be in vain. We are here to encourage you to remain strong.”
Wike stressed the importance of honouring agreements, insisting that he remains consistent in his political positions.
“You know me, I believe in agreements. If you know you cannot do something, don’t say it. Don’t even enter into it,” he said.
“From January next year, politics will start. Nobody can use us. Whatever you agree to in the morning must still stand at night. I have never hidden my position. Nigerians know it. We have never wavered in our support for Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
He added, “If you want to know who the most abused politician is after Bola Tinubu, it is me. Why? Because I insist that agreements must be implemented. If you cannot keep to an agreement, don’t enter into it.”
Wike also alleged that some politicians attack him for personal gain.
“One thing you should know about Nigerian politics is that some people believe the easiest way to make money is to abuse Wike. Once you say, ‘We will deal with Wike,’ something will drop,” he said in a mocking tone.
Earlier, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, praised Wike for his contributions to the Ekpeye Kingdom.
“For the first time, Ekpeye has seven first-class traditional stools. Before now, we had only one. Governors came and left, but none agreed to elevate our stools—except Wike,” Nwuche said.
He cautioned against poor leadership, noting that power should be used to uplift people rather than oppress them.
“Nobody who follows Wike can say they have not been positively impacted. That is why, wherever he goes, we will go with him,” Nwuche added, citing development projects executed in the area during Wike’s tenure as governor.
