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Wike Remains Our Political Leader, Rivers Assembly Speaker Insists
Amid renewed political tensions in Rivers State, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, has insisted that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, remains the undisputed political leader of the state.
Amaewhule made the assertion during Wike’s “thank you” visit to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Sunday. He recalled how lawmakers, in loyalty to Wike, worked to secure victory for President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State during the 2023 general elections.
“The real people of Nigeria know your worth and that you are helping Mr President deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda. That is why the people of Obio/Akpor have gathered here—to reassure Mr President that you are the political leader of Rivers State,” Amaewhule said.
He added that the Assembly had already resolved to mobilise voters across units, wards and local governments ahead of 2027, promising to “do even more” than in 2023.
Also speaking, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, assured Wike that no one could threaten him in Rivers State, describing Obio/Akpor as Wike’s political stronghold with significant voting strength.
“This is your home; nobody can threaten you in Rivers State,” Chinda said, thanking President Tinubu for appointing Wike into his cabinet.
Responding, Wike dismissed claims that his appointment as FCT Minister was based on any agreement with the President.
“We never signed any agreement with the President. All he said was that if we supported him, we would not regret it,” Wike stated.
He described himself unapologetically as a politician, insisting that power is earned through organisation and mobilisation.
“I said I want to be a politician, and I am a politician. Power is not a free gift; you work for it,” he declared.
Wike further claimed that key political victories in Rivers State historically depended on Obio/Akpor’s endorsement and asserted that the 2027 presidential contest was already “a won battle” in favour of Tinubu, noting that all major actors were now professing support for the President.
