Wike To Critics: I Am Not an Accidental Politician

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed criticisms surrounding his political choices, insisting that politics is driven by interests, power and the will of the people, not sentiments or emotion.

Wike made this known on Sunday during the grand finale of his “thank you” tour to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, his political base, where he addressed a massive crowd of supporters, party leaders and government officials.

Addressing thousands of loyalists at the event, the minister stressed that his decision to venture into politics was deliberate and not accidental, urging his critics to allow him the space to play politics the way he understands it.

Responding to what he described as persistent distractions, Wike said he consciously chose politics over other professions.

“I did not say I wanted to be a journalist. I did not say I wanted to shape public opinion through writing. I said clearly that I wanted to be a politician and that is what I am,” he said.

Explaining the purpose of his visit, Wike said it was an expression of gratitude to the people of Obio/Akpor for standing by him politically, describing appreciation as a vital element of leadership.

“This time, I called on you and you responded positively. I felt it was important to come back and say thank you. When someone does good to you, you acknowledge it. Gratitude matters,” he stated.

The minister further declared that politics has no room for emotions, stressing that interests, particularly the interest of the people, remain the driving force. He emphasized the strategic political relevance of Obio/Akpor in Rivers State, noting its decisive role in determining electoral outcomes.

“Power is not given but taken,” Wike said, adding that Obio/Akpor has consistently influenced who emerges as governor and senator in the state.

He also dismissed calls by some critics demanding his removal from office, stating that such authority rests solely with the President.

“Don’t bother about people who say ‘sack him.’ If my appointor believes that I cannot offer anything again, he has the right; it is not in your place to tell him what to do,” he said.

Wike maintained that President Bola Tinubu understands his political value, adding that the President has done much for Rivers people, which, according to him, would be reciprocated in the 2027 elections.

Earlier, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Mr Kingsley Chinda, highlighted the political strength of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, noting that it has over 684,000 votes out of the 3.5 million registered voters in Rivers State.

Chinda, who represents the area in the Green Chamber, said such voting strength makes the LGA a critical political force in the state.

“Just go home. Tell us what you want us to do and we will do it,” he told the minister.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Dr Gift Worlu, described Wike as a “gift” to the council, Rivers State and Nigeria, citing his outstanding performance at the local, state and national levels.

Worlu thanked the minister for what he described as numerous developmental benefits attracted to the LGA, adding that the decision to support Tinubu’s election in 2023 had resulted in “harvest upon harvest” of dividends for the people.

He assured Wike that the people of the area were politically conscious and ready to make informed decisions ahead of 2027, noting that while discussions on the governorship race were still open, their presidential preference was clear.

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Martin Amaewhule, also reaffirmed the unwavering support of the people of Obio/Akpor for the minister
assuring him of their commitment to President Tinubu’s reelection bid.

“Tell Mr President that what we did for him in 2023 we will do even better in 2027,” he said.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji