Political Associates, Others Celebrate Wike’s Leadership Strides @58

Top political associates, and lawmakers, across party lines converged on Abuja in the early hours of Saturday to celebrate the leadership strides of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Nyesom Wike, as he marked his 58th birthday.

Speaking at the gathering, Wike declared that he has no regrets for openly supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since 2022, insisting that his stance was rooted in character, integrity and his belief in equity, fairness and justice.

He said his support for President Tinubu was consistent before, during and after the 2023 presidential election, guided by his conviction that power should shift to the South.

The Minister noted that his political judgment and leadership capacity were evident during the 2023 elections in Rivers State, where the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the presidential poll, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victory in the governorship, National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly and local government elections under his watch.

Leaders from different political divides, including the National Assembly members from Rivers State, serving and former lawmakers, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by its Speaker Martins Amaewhule, local government chairmen, and close political allies, attended the celebration at Wike’s Abuja residence.

In their remarks, the speakers described the former Rivers State Governor as an achiever and astute politician whose impact is felt across the country, assuring him of their continued support as he remains steadfast.

Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and former PDP chairman, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, described Wike as the “naked wire” of Rivers politics, saying his political strength and results demonstrated that President Tinubu made the right choice in appointing him from the PDP.

Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, thanked the Minister for his dependable leadership, pledging the continued loyalty and support of the 27 Assembly members he led to the event.

He said the lawmakers would continue to align with Wike’s political direction.

Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government and Rivers State ALGON Chairman, Hon. Allwell Ihunda, speaking on behalf of local government chairmen, described Wike as a consistent and compassionate leader.

Other dignitaries who spoke included Chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, Mohammed Abdulrahman; PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; PDP National Vice Chairman (South South), Chief Dan Orbih; APC National Vice Chairman (South South), Hon. Victor Giadom; former Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; Senator Sandy Onor; Senator Magnus Abe; Senator George Sekibo; and Senator Bari Mpigi, among others.

In his response, Wike thanked his political family and associates for their unwavering support, acknowledging their role in shaping his leadership journey.

He said he is fulfilled working with his people and pledged to continue collaborating with them in the interest of Rivers State and Nigeria.

The Minister also described criticism and abuse as part of his motivation, noting that he has never been distracted by critics.

The event ended with special prayers for Wike and his family.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji