Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has doubled down on his hardline political posture, insisting that power is earned through strength and strategic calculation, not sentiment, while warning that Obio Akpor Local Government Area remains the ultimate decider in Rivers State politics.
Speaking on Sunday during a thank you visit to Obio Akpor, Wike dismissed growing calls for his removal from office, stressing that only President Bola Tinubu has the authority to sack him.
The former Rivers State governor addressed party leaders, traditional rulers, women and youths as part of his ongoing tour of the state’s 23 local government areas to appreciate support during the 2023 elections and mobilise backing for President Tinubu ahead of 2027.
In a combative address, Wike said politics is driven purely by interests, not emotions, and warned critics against underestimating the political weight of Obio Akpor.
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“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,” he said.
Drawing a controversial global analogy, Wike added: “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 argued that Obio Akpor’s voting strength gives it unrivalled influence in determining who governs Rivers State.
“For the people of Obio Akpor, we have the power to dictate who becomes governor. Ask those talking from the sidelines if a local government that produced 5,000 votes can challenge one that produced 40 per cent of the votes,” Wike said.
“We will use our strength to punish them. Nobody has become governor in this state without Obio Akpor making the pronouncement. Abuse us if you like, but when it is time for votes, come and see.”
Wike also brushed aside demands for his resignation or dismissal from the Federal Executive Council.
“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,” he said.
“I am proud that Nigerians know we have not disappointed them in the FCT.”
Earlier, Obio Akpor Council Chairman, Gift Worlu, described Wike as a political asset whose influence spans local, state and national levels. He praised Wike’s record across public offices 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,” Worlu said, warning against what he called ingratitude and disloyalty.
Rivers Assembly Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, also reaffirmed the legislature’s backing for Wike and President Tinubu, urging him to ignore critics.
“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 comes amid heightened political tension in Rivers State. On Thursday, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Amaewhule, formally initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, over allegations of gross misconduct.
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Lawmakers cited claims including over N800 billion in extra budgetary spending without approval, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, demolition of the Assembly complex and defiance of Supreme Court rulings on legislative autonomy.
Notices were also read against the deputy governor for allegedly conniving in unconstitutional expenditures, with the Assembly confirming that the documents would be served within seven days.
The latest developments signal a sharp escalation in the prolonged Rivers crisis, rooted in the political fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike. Previous impeachment moves in 2023 and 2025 were stalled following presidential interventions, including a declaration of a state of emergency by President Tinubu.
As positions harden, Wike’s message from Obio Akpor was unmistakable: power remains local, numbers still matter, and the battle for Rivers is far from over.
