…as FCT Minister pledges massive votes for Tinubu in 2027
Thousands of supporters on Sunday converged at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, concluded the grand finale of his statewide “Thank You” visit across Rivers State.
The event recorded a mammoth turnout, with political leaders, party faithful, youths, women’s groups, and support groups from across the state in attendance, turning the venue into a sea of supporters chanting solidarity songs in honour of the former Rivers State governor.
Speaking at the event, Nyesom Wike commended the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, for what he described as an overwhelming show of love and loyalty by the people of the area.
“Obio/Akpor people are grateful people. Obio/Akpor alone makes up about 40 per cent of the votes in Rivers State, and nobody can toy with this local government,” Wike declared.
He recalled the consistent support he has received from Obio/Akpor since 1999, noting that the people have remained steadfast throughout his political journey. According to him, the same loyalty will be demonstrated again in the 2027 general elections.
“The people of Obio/Akpor and Rivers State will vote massively for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027,” Wike assured.
The FCT minister also took a swipe at Senator Azuta Mbata, accusing him of failing to bury his mother for over three years due to disputes over property sharing, describing the situation as a dent on his public image.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, described Wike as “a gift to Obio/Akpor, a gift to leadership, and a gift to Nigeria.”
“This visit is not your visit; it is our visit. It is not a time for you to tell us thank you, but a time for us to tell you thank you,” Worlu said. He showered encomiums on Nyesom Wike, thanking him for mentoring leaders and facilitating numerous appointments for indigenes of Obio/Akpor.
He described Wike as the most outstanding chairman, the most impactful Chief of Staff, the most performing governor in the history of Rivers State, and one of the most performing ministers in Nigeria.
Worlu recalled Wike’s political direction during the 2023 general elections, when he urged his supporters to back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Because we trusted you, we followed you. Today, it has been harvest upon harvest — appointments, projects and opportunities for our state and our local government,” he said.
He added that while the people know where they stand regarding the presidency in 2027, they equally know where they will not go in the Rivers governorship race. “We will not go the way of ingratitude, disrespect or disloyalty,” Worlu declared.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, reassured President Tinubu of the unwavering support of the people of Obio/Akpor.
“On behalf of the people of Obio/Akpor, we want to reassure you of our loyalty and support as we continue to support His Excellency, Mr. President,” Amaewhule said.
He urged President Bola Tinubu not to be distracted by critics, stressing that Nigerians who matter understand the value of his leadership and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Recalling the 2023 presidential election, the Speaker said Obio/Akpor delivered one of the highest votes for Tinubu and promised an even better outing in 2027.
“When you go back, tell Mr. President that what we did in 2023, we will do even more in 2027,” Amaewhule assured, while offering prayers for the President’s strength, health, and success.
Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Barr. O.C.J. Okocha, SAN, in his remarks, praised Wike for being a worthy ambassador of Rivers State and Obio/Akpor, commending his achievements as governor and his ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory.
“We are proud of you. We cannot thank you enough. It is only God that can bless you and the most preferred President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Okocha said, describing Wike as “the winning man” in Rivers and Nigerian politics.
