Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, made the remarks during a thank-you visit to the people of Khana in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
He emphasized that leaders are elected to reflect the will of the people rather than pursue personal interests.
“We will not make the same mistake again at the state level in 2027, but we will talk about it later when the time comes.
“Just follow your leaders. Anywhere you see them going, that is where we are going,” he said.
Wike explained that his visit was not politically motivated but aimed at expressing gratitude to the people of Khana for their support for him and President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, the community took a bold step by backing Tinubu in the 2023 election at a time when others were hesitant.
“During the turbulent period, khana stood with us and now you have benefited, from good roads to university of environment among other benefits because of the love of Mr President.
“So many appointments have come to Ogoniland and more are coming,” he said.
The minister further noted that Rivers people would no longer vote strictly along party lines but would instead make decisions based on collective interest and family considerations to drive development under Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Earlier, Rep. Dumnamene Dekor (APC – Khana) praised Wike and Tinubu for transforming Ogoniland into a source of national pride. He thanked Wike for his outreach to communities across Rivers State, adding that the people were prepared to follow his direction.
“We are proud to be associated with you, and whatever you asked us to do we shall do and wherever you asked us to go, we shall go,” he said.
Dekor also assured Wike that lawmakers from Rivers State had pledged their mandate to Tinubu.
Speaking on behalf of women in the area, Mrs Barile Nwakoh (APC Khana 1 State Constituency) appreciated Wike for remembering Khana, noting that his goodwill, sincerity, and love for the people had earned him widespread support in Rivers State.
She said the women of Khana were ready to support Tinubu should he seek a second term.
*We are ready to work for Tinubu. Please tell Mr President that we are here for him and ready to work for his reflection,” she said.
In a similar vein, Chairman of Khana Local Council, Dr Thomas Bariere, thanked Wike for his presence and commitment to the area, stressing that positive outcomes follow when the right people are in positions of authority.
“Since our support to President Tinubu, things have become better for the people of Khana.
“You have supported everything good for the people of Khana and we are very grateful for this,” Bariere said.
He reaffirmed the continued support of the people of Khana Local Government Area for Wike and the Tinubu administration.