RismadarVoice Reporters
January 12, 2026
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that political power is earned through strength and strategic action, insisting that Obio/Akpor Local Government Area remains a decisive force in Rivers State politics.
Wike also dismissed calls for his removal as FCT Minister, stressing that only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the constitutional authority to sack him.
The Minister spoke on Sunday during a thank-you visit to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, where he met with party leaders, traditional rulers, women and youth groups.
The visit forms part of Wike’s ongoing tour of the 23 local government areas of Rivers State to appreciate residents for their support during the 2023 general elections and to mobilize continued backing for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.
Addressing the gathering, Wike said politics should be driven by interests rather than emotions, emphasizing that power is not freely given but forcefully negotiated.
“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 an international comparison, 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 maintained that Obio/Akpor has historically played a determining role in Rivers State elections.
“For the people of Obio/Akpor, we have the power to dictate who becomes governor. All those commenting from the sidelines—ask them if a local government that produced 5,000 votes can challenge one that produced 40 per cent of the votes,” he said.
“We will use our strength to punish them. Nobody has become governor in this state without Obio/Akpor making the pronouncement. Nobody has become senator of Rivers East without Obio/Akpor deciding.”
Wike also addressed calls by critics demanding his removal as FCT Minister, describing them as misplaced.
“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 the people of Obio/Akpor, Rivers State and Nigerians know we have not disappointed them in the FCT.”
Earlier, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Gift Worlu, praised Wike’s political influence, describing him as a major asset to the council, Rivers State and Nigeria.
Worlu commended Wike’s performance across various public offices, including as council chairman, chief of staff, governor and minister, and pledged continued 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, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, reaffirmed the legislature’s support for Wike and President Tinubu.
“On behalf of the Rivers State House of Assembly, 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,” Amaewhule said.
The visit comes amid renewed political tension in Rivers State. On Thursday, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Amaewhule, formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, over allegations of gross misconduct.
The Majority Leader, Major Jack, presented a notice signed by 26 lawmakers, citing alleged offences including extra-budgetary expenditure of over ₦800 billion without legislative approval, withholding funds meant for 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, accusing her of conniving in unconstitutional expenditures.
Amaewhule announced that the notices would be served on the affected officials within seven days, in line with constitutional provisions.
The latest development marks a fresh escalation in the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State, which followed the fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike. Previous impeachment attempts in 2023 and 2025 were halted following presidential interventions, with President Tinubu at one point declaring a state of emergency in the state.
