Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has issued a stern warning to national political actors, demanding they cease interfering in Rivers State’s internal affairs. Wike emphasized that Rivers State’s unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 elections was a deliberate and collective decision that should not be underestimated. His remarks came during a visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area, where he highlighted the unique political landscape of Rivers State.
Rivers State stands as a singular example in Nigeria’s political history, having successfully fostered open collaboration between the two dominant political parties during the last general election. This strategic alliance, undertaken with significant political risk, was a calculated move made in good faith by the state’s leadership and populace.
“I want to say it clearly here: tell the National Secretary to leave Rivers State alone. Leave Rivers State alone. Go and ask those who have tried it before,” Wike declared, directly addressing those he perceives as overstepping their bounds.
He further cautioned against any careless or dismissive statements regarding Rivers State’s political decisions. Such comments, he warned, could inadvertently undermine the substantial sacrifices made by the state’s political stakeholders who championed the cause.
Featured snippet paragraph: Nyesom Wike is warning national political actors to stop interfering in Rivers State’s politics and not to take the state’s support for President Tinubu for granted. He stressed that the state’s decisions were collective and made at great political risk.
“Don’t take our support for Mr President for granted. You have to be careful with the statements you make. Today, you are enjoying your position, but you don’t know those who did the work,” Wike stated, underscoring the foundational efforts behind the current political landscape.
The decision to forge an alliance across party lines in 2023 was not an easy one, Wike admitted. He described it as a necessary gamble where the outcome was uncertain, yet a risk they were willing to take.
“For the glory of God, see where we are today,” he remarked, reflecting on the positive consequences of their bold political stance and commitment.
Wike asserted that Rivers State’s political uniqueness lies in its ability to orchestrate cooperation between major parties, a feat he challenged other states to replicate.
“I challenge any state in this country: put the two major political parties together and see what it takes. This is the only state where you saw the two main parties working together,” he explained.
He expressed profound gratitude to the residents of Oyigbo for their unwavering and consistent political backing, acknowledging that their support has been instrumental.
“There has never been a time I came to Oyigbo and asked for something you did not give me. We are not ungrateful people. We appreciate what God used you to do for us,” Wike conveyed his appreciation.
Wike firmly reiterated that Rivers State has already solidified its political direction and will not be swayed by external pressures to alter its course.
“Rivers State has taken a decision. We are not taking a decision today—we took it already. Nobody forced us. We are the first state that did it, and we did not lose elections here,” he emphasized.
He also addressed instances of alleged political abandonment, where some individuals reportedly encouraged conflict only to withdraw when faced with repercussions.
“That is how they pushed the young man into trouble. When the trouble came, they ran away. There is no coming back to that. Rivers State has taken a decision,” Wike concluded, highlighting the finality of their political stance.
Finally, Wike urged for restraint and respect for Rivers State’s political autonomy, signaling an end to external meddling in their affairs.
“Take what you are taking and stop making unnecessary comments. Leave Rivers State alone. We know what we are doing,” he stated, reinforcing his earlier warning.
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