BY WILLIAMS JOE
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declaring that those who stood by the President during the most challenging period of the 2023 presidential election will continue to support him now that the political climate is more favourable.
Speaking on Saturday in Ochigba, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, Wike recalled that during his tenure as governor, he and his political allies openly backed Tinubu at a time when supporting him in Rivers State was widely considered risky.
The minister made the remarks during a meeting with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders, held alongside an end-of-year thanksgiving service organised by a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, in his hometown.
Wike urged party stakeholders to remain resolute in their support for President Tinubu despite alleged intimidation in the state, assuring them that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
According to him, those who supported Tinubu before the 2023 election—when the outcome was uncertain—are well recognised, unlike those who only became vocal after his victory.
“In 2023, it was tough. Nobody knew what would happen. Many people could not come out openly to say vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Wike said. “But we took a stand. In politics, you must take a decision, whether good or bad, and we were convinced it would be good—and today, it is good.”
He maintained that the support given by his camp was instrumental to Tinubu’s strength in Rivers State, adding that political consistency and loyalty remain his guiding principles.
Wike criticised what he described as opportunistic support from politicians who only began chanting ‘on your mandate we shall stand’ after Tinubu’s victory, stressing that true loyalty is proven during difficult times.
“We shouted when it mattered most. If we did not shout then, would they be shouting now?” he asked.
The former Rivers governor also reiterated his belief in political integrity, emphasising that agreements must be honoured.
“Agreement is agreement. Anything you know you cannot do, don’t say it. Whatever you agree in the morning, you must agree in the night,” he stated.
Wike disclosed that political activities would intensify from January next year, noting that his political stance has often attracted criticism because of his insistence on standing by decisions once taken.
“After President Bola Tinubu, the next most abused politician is me. Why? Because people know that when we agree on something, we must implement it,” he said.
He concluded by reassuring his supporters that his position remains unchanged.
“We have said we will continue to support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That is the position we took, and that is the position we will continue to take,” Wike affirmed.
