Amid renewed political tension in Rivers State, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, has reaffirmed that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, remains the undisputed political leader of the state.
Amaewhule made the declaration during Wike’s “thank you” visit to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Sunday, where the minister was received by a large gathering of supporters.
The Speaker praised Wike for his role in mobilising political support 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 resolved to mobilise voters across units, wards, and local governments ahead of the 2027 elections, promising that their efforts would surpass those of 2023.
Also addressing the crowd, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, described Obio/Akpor as Wike’s political stronghold with significant voting strength.
“This is your home; nobody can threaten you in Rivers State,” Chinda said, while expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing Wike into his cabinet.
In his response, Wike dismissed claims that his ministerial appointment was part of any formal 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,” he clarified.
The FCT Minister described himself as a committed politician, asserting that political power is earned through organisation and mobilisation rather than handed freely.
“I said I want to be a politician, and I am a politician. Power is not a free gift; you work for it,” Wike stated.
He also noted that Obio/Akpor has historically been pivotal to major political victories in Rivers State and expressed confidence that the 2027 presidential contest was already “a won battle” in favour of President Tinubu, adding that all major political actors in the state had now affirmed their support for the President.
The visit underscored Wike’s enduring influence in Rivers politics and highlighted the strategic importance of Obio/Akpor as a political hub ahead of the upcoming elections.
