The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has said that political power is earned through strength and strategic action, describing Obio/Akpor Local Government Area as a decisive force in Rivers politics.
Wike also dismissed calls for his removal from office, saying only the President has the constitutional authority to sack him.
The minister spoke on Sunday during a thank-you visit to Obio/Akpor, where he addressed party leaders, traditional rulers, women and youths.
He has been touring the 23 local government areas of Rivers to appreciate residents for their support in the 2023 general elections and to canvass continued backing for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.
Addressing the gathering, Wike said politics should be guided by interest rather than sentiment.
“There is no sentiment, there is no emotion. Politics is an interest; the interest of your people. Power is not given; we struggle for it. After all, if Donald Trump did not have power, would he go to Venezuela to pick a president? He wouldn’t. Because he has power, that’s why he can act,” he said.
Wike said Obio/Akpor had consistently played a determining role in the political direction of the state.
“So for the people of Obio/Akpor, we have the power to dictate who becomes governor. All these people commenting from the sidelines, ask them if their local government, which produced only 5,000 votes, can challenge one that produced 40 per cent of the votes? Let us see how it will work.
“We will use our strength to punish them. Nobody has become governor in this state without Obio/Akpor making the pronouncement. Nobody has become the senator of Rivers East without Obio/Akpor deciding. So, if you like abusing us, after abusing us, come and look for the votes—and we will punish you with the votes,” he said.
The former Rivers governor also dismissed calls for his removal as FCT minister.
“Don’t bother about people who say ‘sack him.’ If my appointor believes I cannot offer anything again, he has the right, not that you should tell him. I am proud that the people of Obio/Akpor, the people of Rivers State, and Nigerians know we have not disappointed them in the FCT,” Wike said.
Earlier, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Mr Gift Worlu, described Wike as a major political asset to the council, the state and the nation.
He commended Wike’s performance in various public offices, including chairman, chief of staff, governor and minister, and pledged the council’s loyalty to his leadership.
“When it comes to who should be President of Nigeria in 2027, we know where to go. As for the governorship of Rivers State, we know where not to go. We will not go the way of ingratitude, disappointment, or disloyalty,” Worlu said.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA), Mr Martins Amaewhule, reaffirmed the legislature’s support for Wike and President Tinubu.
“On behalf of the RSHA, we assure you of our prayers and support as you continue to support Mr President. Don’t bother about detractors. The real people of Nigeria know your worth. They know you are helping the President deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Amaewhule said.
The visit came amid renewed political tension in Rivers.
On Thursday, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Amaewhule, commenced impeachment proceedings against Gov. Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, over alleged gross misconduct.
The Majority Leader, Mr Major Jack, presented a notice signed by 26 lawmakers, citing allegations including extra-budgetary spending of over N800 billion without legislative approval, withholding funds allocated to the Assembly Service Commission, demolition of the Assembly complex and defiance of Supreme Court rulings on legislative autonomy.
A separate notice was also read against the deputy governor for allegedly conniving in unconstitutional expenditures.
Amaewhule said the notices would be served on the affected officials within seven days, in line with constitutional provisions.
The development marks an escalation in the protracted political crisis in Rivers, arising from the fallout between Gov. Fubara and his predecessor, Wike.
Previous impeachment attempts in 2023 and 2025 were halted by presidential interventions, while President Tinubu had earlier declared a state of emergency in the state.
