By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has cited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s courageous leadership as a key reason to support his re-election in 2027, urging Rivers State residents to back the president's second-term bid.
Wike made the appeal on Monday during a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he also canvassed support for candidates endorsed by the coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said that although the removal of the petrol subsidy had heightened economic hardship for Nigerians, it demonstrated the president's willingness to take difficult decisions in the country’s long-term interest.
According to Wike, Nigeria needs courageous leadership to address its structural challenges and put the country on the path to sustainable development.
He acknowledged the economic hardship Nigerians were experiencing but maintained that the reforms had increased revenue available to state and local governments, enabling them to meet their obligations.
“We know what Nigerians are going through, but we are sure that things will get better,” he said.
“Most importantly, we know what this country was like before now. But leadership is key to the growth of a family, an association, a church, or any business,” he added.
Wike urged residents to support Tinubu’s re-election bid and the coalition’s preferred candidates for governorship, legislative, and other elective positions, arguing that cooperation between the Federal Government, the Rivers State Government and elected representatives would accelerate development.
“We don’t want Rivers of blood. We don’t want rivers of shooting. The two main political parties in this state are APC and PDP. They have joined with other political parties to say, "Let there be peace in Rivers State; let there be development and unity,” he said.
The former Rivers State governor also questioned the capacity of some opposition figures to offer a credible alternative to the current administration.
He cautioned voters against entrusting the country’s future to politicians he described as “political gamblers,” urging them to assess the records of those seeking public office.
“Don’t carry your destiny to political gamblers,” Wike told the gathering.
The minister said the town hall meeting was organized to ensure that residents were adequately informed about political developments and could make decisions based on their understanding of the issues at stake.
He maintained that inadequate information and political propaganda had influenced some voting decisions during the 2023 general election, warning residents against repeating what he described as past mistakes.
Wike also cautioned religious leaders against allowing political considerations to distract them from their spiritual responsibilities, arguing that politicians should take responsibility for explaining political issues to the electorate.
He said the engagement was intended to bring political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths, and other stakeholders together to discuss the future of Rivers State and Nigeria.
Describing Eleme as economically strategic to Nigeria, Wike said the area’s importance to the country’s economic activities placed a responsibility on residents to make informed political choices.
He expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers, clergy, women, youths, and other community stakeholders who attended the meeting, assuring them that the political leaders behind the initiative would work together for the state’s development.
The meeting was attended by political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths, and representatives of parties participating in the Rainbow Coalition.
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