In a fierce response to criticisms regarding his tenure as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State, has defended his record and reiterated that Rivers holds the highest number of political appointments under President Bola Tinubu’s government. Speaking at the Ahoada East and Ahoada West PDP End of Year Thanksgiving in Ochigna, Ahoada East, Wike emphatically rejected claims that he has failed to secure federal projects for Rivers, and instead, turned the tables on his critics.
“Let it be on record that by the instrumentality of President Tinubu, no Governor from this state has attracted as many political appointments as I have,” Wike declared, his voice steady and assured. His remarks came in the wake of growing discontent from his critics, including former allies Celestine Omehia, a former Governor of Rivers State, and Uche Secondus, the ex-National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
These two political figures had recently accused Wike of neglecting Rivers State in his current role, questioning his influence in securing federal projects for the region. Their remarks came during separate commissioning ceremonies held by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Omehia had even insinuated that Rivers’ people should question Wike about what he has done for the state since taking up his ministerial position.
But Wike was quick to challenge these allegations, pointing to his achievements while serving in various ministerial roles. “I was the Minister of Education, and I delivered projects that directly impacted Rivers, including the establishment of a Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt and grants to institutions like Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic and Ignatius Ajuru University,” Wike explained. “But now that I am the Minister of the FCT, how can I bring roads to Rivers State? That is not my mandate.”
He also dismissed Omehia’s challenge, calling him an “imbecile” and accusing him of trying to undermine the success of the Rivers government. “Omehia, when you were Governor, where were you when I was building infrastructure and pushing for development? Ask me about the work I did as Minister of Education, not as the FCT Minister.”
The former Governor’s outburst did not stop at Omehia. He also took aim at Uche Secondus, who, during a recent event in Bori, had described Wike as an enemy of the state. According to Wike, Secondus’s criticism stemmed from a deep-seated personal vendetta. “Secondus is the one who tried to sabotage Governor Fubara’s emergence. When we were working together, Secondus wanted his cousin, Tele Ikuru, to be Governor, not Fubara,” Wike recalled. “Now, he calls me an enemy. But I have always been forthright with my people, and I will not allow these petty politics to distract me.”
Despite these personal jabs, Wike remained resolute, using the platform to reflect on his years as Governor and his achievements. “When I was Governor, I initiated the Ahoada-Omoku Road and the dualization of Ahoada Road to Odioku Junction. These projects were done with the future in mind,” Wike said, stressing that his government had a clear vision for the state’s infrastructure.
He also directed a pointed message towards Governor Siminalayi Fubara, questioning his leadership. “Since you became Governor, what have you initiated? All the ongoing projects are from my administration,” Wike charged. “You cannot cancel the progress we made just because you’re now in power. This is not about political games; it’s about continuity.”
Not all was contentious at the event. In his welcoming speech, Prince Chibudum Nwuche, the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, praised Wike for his contributions to the development of the state and the nation. “Wike is working,” Nwuche said. “Abuja has been transformed under his leadership. Projects that were initiated 20 years ago are now being completed. It’s a testament to his commitment to progress.”
Nwuche also expressed optimism for the future of Rivers State, noting that the PDP would reclaim the state from the current administration. “We will continue to fight for the people of Rivers State. This is not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter,” Nwuche declared.
In his response, Wike reaffirmed his commitment to Rivers, even while serving in the FCT. “Rivers people have benefitted more from federal appointments under my watch than ever before. I have been working behind the scenes to ensure that we have a voice in Abuja,” Wike said. “Let nobody doubt my love for Rivers. I will continue to support my people, even if I am far from home.”
His comments come amid heightened political tension in Rivers State, with Fubara’s administration facing criticism for not delivering on key promises made during the 2023 gubernatorial elections. Wike’s supporters argue that many of the ongoing projects, including the Ring Road in Port Harcourt, were his brainchildren and that Fubara is merely completing what he started.
Wike’s position in the Tinubu administration has indeed positioned Rivers in a unique political space, with the state currently boasting the highest number of appointees from any region in the country. This has led some observers to speculate that Wike’s influence in Abuja could yield more tangible benefits for Rivers, despite his critics’ attempts to downplay his impact.
