Rivers Set The Political Pace — Wike Declares

According to Ireporter Online, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has affirmed that Rivers State will continue to play a leading role in Nigeria’s political landscape, citing rising support for President Bola Tinubu and forthcoming political activities across the state.

Wike made the remarks on Friday in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of Senatorial and Local Government Coordinators of the Rivers State Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a political support group backing the Tinubu administration.

Addressing party members, Wike lauded his supporters for their dedication to the President’s re-election efforts despite limited resources. “With the little resources you have, you’ve done well. This kind of mobilisation is enough to shake the opposition,” he said.

He added that President Tinubu is monitoring those who are truly loyal, particularly as the February 21 by-elections approach. “The President is watching. He knows those who are genuinely working for him,” Wike noted.

During the event, Wike formally introduced the three senatorial coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors: Felix Obua (Rivers West), Boma Iyayi (Rivers East), and Marcus Nleegi (Rivers South-East). He commended the organisers and local government chairmen for their extensive grassroots mobilisation, which he believes is shaping the political direction of the state.

Wike also encouraged his followers to support the two All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates contesting the upcoming Rivers by-election. “Wherever you are, these are the candidates to support in the February 21 election,” he said, without specifying names.

The inauguration, attended by party leaders, supporters, and political observers, is being seen as a prelude to the 2027 general election campaign in Rivers State. Wike has previously referred to the emerging political alliance between the APC and key figures from the PDP as a “Rainbow Coalition,” which he expects will reshape Rivers’ political scene ahead of the next polls.