The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has cautioned that he will personally disclose the agreement he reached with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, should the governor fail to make it public to Rivers residents.
Wike issued the warning on Wednesday while addressing stakeholders at a meeting in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
He said the political sacrifices he made at the national level had produced tangible benefits, in contrast to developments within Rivers State.
According to him, President Tinubu had fulfilled his promises, citing his appointment as FCT Minister and the placement of several Rivers indigenes in strategic federal positions as evidence of the gains Rivers State had enjoyed under the current administration.
“If he does not tell the Rivers people the agreement we had before Mr. President, I will tell them myself,” Wike declared.
The former Rivers governor also cautioned politicians from outside the state against interfering in Rivers politics, stressing that only those familiar with the state’s political terrain should be involved.
“If you do not understand the politics of Rivers State, sit at home. Nobody will intimidate us. Before, when the federal government was against us, we won. Now that the federal government is friendly with us, we will win more,” he said.
Wike explained that his visit to Eleme was to appreciate the community for its consistent support over the years, adding that backing President Tinubu had yielded positive outcomes.
He urged the people of Eleme to sustain their support for President Tinubu and other political leaders as preparations for the new political season begin.
Also speaking, former Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District, Senator Olaka Nwogu, applauded Wike for the visit and reaffirmed the unwavering support of the Eleme people. He commended Wike for attracting development projects to the area and appointing Eleme indigenes into key positions.
“We voted for Governor Sim Fubara because Wike directed us to do so. Since Wike left office, no major project has been attracted to Eleme. Whatever he says, we stand by him,” Nwogu said, alleging that Wike had been betrayed.
A member of the Rivers State House of Assembly representing Eleme Constituency, Hon. Aforji Igwe, described Wike as a detribalised leader who prioritised equity ahead of the 2023 governorship election.
He noted that Wike resisted pressure to retain the governorship within Ikwerre and instead supported the emergence of a riverine candidate in the interest of fairness. Igwe assured Wike of the continued backing of riverine lawmakers in the Assembly.
Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Hon. Obarilomate Ollor, praised Wike as a visionary leader who brought development to every part of Eleme and Rivers State, citing several projects executed during Wike’s tenure. He also pledged the local government’s support for President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Other leaders, including Ejor Ejor, former Eleme Chairman Hon. Isaac Kamalu, Hon. Fred Igwe, and Marcus Ejii, also reaffirmed their loyalty to Wike and pledged to follow his political direction.
The stakeholders’ meeting, attended by leaders from both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), also marked the return of some political figures who had previously exited the fold.
The event climaxed with the presentation of a plaque to the FCT Minister in appreciation of his contributions to the development of Eleme Local Government Area.