Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory minister and former Rivers governor, told a packed luncheon in Port Harcourt on Saturday that Rivers State will keep backing President Bola Tinubu. He pointed to the many federal appointments and development projects the state has won since 2023 under the Tinubu administration.
The event, hosted by the Rainbow Coalition, honoured candidates for the 2027 governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly elections. Wike urged people to compare what past governments gave Rivers with what it has received in less than three years and to “tell yourselves the truth.”
“Since 2023, look at how much Rivers State has gained from this administration compared to what it received from past governments.
“Take a look at the appointments and opportunities that have come to Rivers State. Compare them and tell yourselves the truth.
“President Tinubu has shown great appreciation to the people of Rivers. We have to continue supporting him,” Wike said.
He rejected ethnic or sectional politics and said voters should judge leaders by delivery, not origin. He also told supporters to do the hard work on the ground, not chase headlines.
“Television will not give you votes. To get votes, you need to go to your polling units, which are in your wards and local governments.
“Make sure to take care of your polling unit, your ward, and your local government,” he said.
Wike praised the Rainbow Coalition’s strength and invited politicians to join.
“If you want to have a say in Rivers politics, come and be part of the Rainbow Coalition.
“If you want to be a governor, senator, member of the House of Representatives, or councillor, come and be part of our group,” he said.
He warned against attempts to destabilise the state and urged return and reconciliation.
“The people of Rivers are calm and peaceful, but no one should mistake our peaceful nature for weakness.
“No one can come here and take what belongs to our people,” he said.
“I am taking this opportunity to forgive everyone. Come back home with a sincere heart, and let us work together to move Rivers State forward,” he added.
“It doesn’t matter where a leader comes from. What matters is that the person will not disappoint us for supporting him.
“Our focus is on good governance and the development of Rivers State,” he said.
