The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has told his critics not to harbour grudges against him because he chose politics as a career.
He maintained that power, interest and the people’s votes are the real drivers of governance.
He spoke during the grand finale of his visit to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, where thousands of supporters trooped out to receive him.
He said:“Don’t hold grudges because I chose to be a politician.I didn’t say I want to be a journalist or a preacher. I said clearly that I wanted to be a politician and that is exactly what I am.”
According to him, his return to Obio/Akpor was to express gratitude to the people for standing by him, stressing that appreciation is a core value of leadership.
“When people do good to you, you must acknowledge it. Gratitude matters. That is why I came back to say thank you,” he said.
He faulted claims that he is a traitor or impostor, insisting he fully understands loyalty and leadership.
“I have never told anyone I am a traitor. If I wanted to be one, I know exactly where to go. Politics requires clarity, not emotions,” he added.
Politics, he said, is about protecting collective interests, not sentiments.
“Politics is not emotion. It is interest the interest of your people. Power is not automatic and it is not for everybody,” Wike said.
He warned against underestimating electoral strength, stressing that votes determine real power.
“Our power is the vote. If you have 5,000 votes, that is strength. If you control 40 per cent, that is influence. We will use our strength where it matters. That is reality,” he said.
Wike reminded Nigerians that no government can survive without the people.
“There is no power stronger than the will of the people. Abuse us if you like, but remember power rests with the vote,” he added.
Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, described Wike as a leader firmly rooted in his home base, saying Obio/Akpor remains his strongest political fortress.
“You are honoured in your home. The people here have been waiting since morning just to see you. We should be the ones saying thank you,” Chinda said.
He disclosed that Obio/Akpor controls 684,812 votes out of Rivers State’s over 3.5 million registered voters, declaring that Wike’s position in the state is unassailable.
He recalled how Wike directed the people to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023, adding that the decision has yielded positive results.
“Come 2027, we will do more than we did in 2023,” he promised.
Also speaking, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Martins Amaewhule, reassured Wike of the Assembly’s full support, pledging massive backing for President Tinubu in the next general election.
“Tell Mr President to sleep well. Rivers people, especially Obio/Akpor, will deliver even better results in 2027,” Amaewhule said.