…Wike said politics must be driven by interest rather than emotion
RIVERS, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated that political power is secured through strength and strategic calculation, warning that Obio/Akpor Local Government Area remains a decisive bloc in Rivers State politics.
He also brushed aside calls for his removal, insisting that only the President has the authority to sack him.
Wike made the remarks on Sunday during a thank-you visit to Obio/Akpor, where he met with party leaders, traditional rulers, women, and youth groups.
The iNews Times reports that the minister has been touring the state’s 23 local government areas to express gratitude for their support in the 2023 elections and to mobilise backing for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.
Addressing the gathering, Wike said politics must be driven by interest rather than emotion, stressing that power is won, not handed out.
“Politics is about interest, not sentiment or emotion. Power is not given; it is taken through struggle. If Donald Trump had no power, would he go to Venezuela to choose a president? He wouldn’t. It is because he has power that he can act,” he said.
He argued that Obio/Akpor’s voting strength gives it significant influence over political outcomes in the state, noting that no governor or Rivers East senator has emerged without the backing of the local government.
“Let those making comments from the sidelines show us their strength. Can a local government that delivered 5,000 votes compete with one that produced 40 per cent of the total votes? We will use our votes to respond,” Wike said.
The former Rivers State governor again dismissed demands for his removal from office, stating that such decisions rest solely with President Bola Tinubu.
“Those calling for my sack should stop. If my appointor believes I can no longer deliver, he has the right to act. I am proud that Nigerians know we have not failed them in the FCT,” he added.
Earlier, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Gift Worlu, praised Wike’s political clout, describing him as an asset to the council, Rivers State, and the nation. He commended Wike’s performance across various roles, including council chairman, chief of staff, governor, and minister, and pledged the council’s continued loyalty.
Speaking on the 2027 elections, Worlu said the council’s political direction was clear, adding that it would not support any path marked by ingratitude or disloyalty.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, reaffirmed the legislature’s support for Wike and President Tinubu, urging the minister to ignore critics.
Amaewhule assured Wike of the Assembly’s backing as he continues to support the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The visit comes amid renewed political tension in Rivers State. On Thursday, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Amaewhule, initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, over allegations of gross misconduct.
The Majority Leader, Major Jack, presented notices signed by 26 lawmakers, accusing the governor of extra-budgetary spending exceeding ₦800 billion without legislative approval, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, demolishing the Assembly complex, and disobeying Supreme Court rulings on legislative autonomy. A separate notice accused the deputy governor of complicity in unconstitutional expenditures.
Amaewhule said the notices would be served within seven days in line with constitutional provisions.
The development marks a fresh escalation in the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State, which stems from the rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike. Previous impeachment attempts in 2023 and 2025 were halted following presidential intervention, including the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu.
