Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described himself as one of the most abused politicians in Nigeria, after President Bola Tinubu, declaring that political activities in Rivers State will formally resume in January 2026.
Wike spoke on Saturday at a special thanksgiving service organised by former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, and his family in Ochiba community, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The former Rivers State governor said he remains firm on agreements he enters into and reaffirmed his unwavering support for President Tinubu.
He used the occasion to appreciate residents of Ahoada East and Ahoada West local government areas for their loyalty and support over the years.
“This is the first local government we are coming to say thank you for standing with us all through these years,” Wike said. “God detests ingratitude, and for what you have done for us, we say thank you.”
Recalling the 2023 general election, Wike praised the people for standing firm despite political uncertainties surrounding Tinubu’s presidential bid.
“At a time it was tough and many doubted Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s chances, you stood your ground. As leaders, we took a decision to stand by him, and today, by God’s grace, he is President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” he said.
Wike said the support from the area helped consolidate Tinubu’s mandate in Rivers State.
“You are the ones who made the mandate strong as far as Rivers State is concerned,” he added.
In a veiled reference to recent political realignments in the state, Wike said some politicians who now openly support Tinubu failed to do so when it mattered most.
“When the mandate needed defending, they were nowhere to be found. Now they are singing ‘on your mandate we stand’. We stood when it was difficult,” he said.
The FCT minister stressed the importance of honouring political agreements, warning against opportunistic politics.
“I believe in agreement. If you know you cannot do something, don’t agree to it. From January next year, politics will begin properly. Nobody can use us,” he said.
Wike maintained that attacks against him stem from his insistence on keeping agreements, adding that his support for Tinubu has never wavered.
“If you want to know, after Bola Tinubu, I am one of the most abused politicians in Nigeria. Why? Because people know that once we agree on something, it must be implemented,” he said.
He also alleged that some politicians resort to attacking him for personal gain, mocking claims that speaking against him attracts financial rewards.
Earlier, Nwuche praised Wike for his contributions to the Ekpeye Kingdom, particularly the elevation of traditional stools during his tenure as governor.
“For the first time, Ekpeye had seven first-class stools. Other governors came and left, but only Wike did this for us,” he said, noting that Wike’s leadership had positively impacted the area.
Nwuche urged Nigerians to be mindful in choosing leaders, stressing that leadership should be used to uplift people and not oppress them.
