The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described himself as the most abused politician in Nigeria after President Bola Tinubu.
Wike declared that politics in Rivers State would officially commence from January 2026.
This is as members of the state House of Assembly presented a brand-new Toyota Camry to the minister as a Christmas gift.
Speaking on Saturday during a special thanksgiving service organised by the Chairman of South-South Development Commission, Hon. Chibudom Nwuche and his family in Ochiba community, his hometown in Ahoada East Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, the former Rivers State governor said he does not renege on any agreement he enters and reiterated his unwavering support for Tinubu.
He used the occasion to thank the people of Ahoada East and Ahoada West LGAs for their steadfast support.
“This is the first local government we are coming to say ‘thank you’ for being there for us all through these years.
“You know, like the pastor said today, God detests those who are ungrateful. And so, for what you’ve done for us, for standing with us, we say ‘thank you. Thank you, and thank you,” Wike said.
“You remember, in 2023, when it was tough, nobody knows what will happen in that election. Somebody was saying that it will be difficult for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to win that election. So, many people were not able to come and vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“But we all met, as leaders here, and said we must take a stand and defend. That we must make a decision, whether it is good or bad. But we know at the end of the day, it will be good. But we did it.
“When it was tough, for people to say, ‘on your mandate we stand,’ we stood firm and said ‘on your mandate we stand.’ And to the glory of God, we stood. And today, he is the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.
He praised residents for their role in consolidating Tinubu’s mandate.
“So, you are the ones who made the mandate to be 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 their support for Tinubu was belated.
“So, all these people you are now seeing singing ‘on your mandate we stand’ – that time, when they were needed most, they couldn’t sing that. They couldn’t come out to say, ‘vote for Ahmed Bola Tinubu.’
Wike emphasised the importance of honouring agreements.
“You know me, I believe in agreement. Anything you know you cannot do, don’t say it; don’t even enter into it. From January next year, politics will start. Nobody can use us.
He also said some local politicians resorted to abusing him for personal gain.
“One thing you should know about Nigerian politics. You know, there is a universal state every time. How you can make money now for a universal state is like that. You go and say, this is enough for Wike; they drop (dish out money). If you don’t say you will deal with Wike, you won’t get him.
“I hear we have about N600 billion somewhere. So just say we will deal with Wike. The moment you pronounce that word, something will come down,” Wike said in a mocking tone.
Meanwhile, members of the state House of Assembly on Saturday presented a brand-new Toyota Camry to the minister as a Christmas gift.
The presentation took place during a Christmas celebration, with the Speaker of the House, Martins Amaewhule, delivering remarks on behalf of the lawmakers.
While handing over the car keys, the Speaker described the gesture as a token of appreciation to mark the 2025 Christmas celebration, noting that it was given with humility and respect.
“As part of the Christmas celebration, we brought a little token to mark this Christmas for the year 2025. So, Your Excellency, very respectfully, very humbly, on behalf of members, on behalf of our wives and spouses, on behalf of our children, we present to you the keys to a Toyota 2025 Camry car,” the Speaker said.
He added jokingly that although Wike already owns several vehicles, the gift should be regarded as coming from his “children.”
“Your Excellency, we know you have plenty already. Just add this one to the ones you already have from your children,” he added.
Blessing Ibunge
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