The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated that he harbours no regrets over his open support for President Bola Tinubu since 2022, stressing that the criticisms and verbal attacks that followed his political choice have never unsettled him.
Wike made the remarks in Abuja at a special early-morning gathering organised on Saturday to commemorate his 58th birthday.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the minister said his backing of Tinubu remained unwavering before, during and after the 2023 presidential election, stressing that his stance was driven by principles of character, integrity, equity and justice.
The former Rivers State governor noted that he stood out as the only prominent figure within the main opposition party at the time to publicly endorse Tinubu ahead of the polls, adding that his decision was further informed by his conviction that political power should rotate to the South.
He stressed that he made his political position clear from the outset and has never felt the need to apologise for standing firmly by what he believed was right.
He added that his leadership strength was on full display during the elections in Rivers State, where the All Progressives Congress emerged victorious in the presidential poll, even as the Peoples Democratic Party won the governorship, National Assembly, State House of Assembly and local government elections under his watch.
The gathering, which took place at Wike’s Abuja residence, drew political leaders and associates from across party lines.
In attendance were National Assembly members from Rivers State, serving and former lawmakers, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, local government chairmen, as well as friends and long-standing political allies.
Those who spoke at the event showered praises on the minister, hailing him as a proven achiever and shrewd politician whose impact is evident across the country, while pledging their unwavering loyalty and continued support.
he Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Desmond Akawor, has described the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as the “naked wire” of Rivers State politics.
Akawor said Wike’s bold political style, resilience and record of achievements clearly demonstrate that President Bola Tinubu made the right choice in selecting him from the PDP to work with his administration.
According to him, Wike’s political feats and influence in Rivers State and beyond have continued to justify the confidence reposed in him by the President.
Akawor, who served as the Director-General of Wike’s 2015 governorship campaign, said the minister’s track record and political accomplishments clearly justified his current role on the national stage.
Martins Amaewhule, who led 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the gathering, expressed gratitude to Wike for his dependable leadership and reaffirmed the lawmakers’ unwavering loyalty to him. He declared that they would stand firmly with their leader, adding that wherever Wike goes, they will follow, and whoever he chooses to support, they will also support.
Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government and Rivers State ALGON chairman, Hon. Allwell Ihunda, who spoke on behalf of the local government chairmen, described Wike as a consistent and compassionate leader whose style of leadership had continued to inspire confidence and loyalty at the grassroots.
Several other dignitaries also took turns to speak at the event, including the Chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, Mohammed Abdulrahman; Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; PDP National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Orbih; APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Hon. Victor Giadom; and former Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu. Also present were Senators Sandy Onor, Magnus Abe, George Sekibo and Barry Mpigi, among other prominent political figures.
In his response, Wike expressed gratitude to his political family and associates for their steadfast support over the years, noting that their loyalty and encouragement had been instrumental in shaping his leadership journey and political career.
He expressed fulfillment in serving alongside his people and reaffirmed his commitment to continue working closely with them for the betterment of Rivers State and Nigeria.
He noted that criticisms and attacks had only strengthened his resolve, emphasizing that he had never been swayed by detractors.
The event also included special prayers for the minister and his family.