The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has maintained that political power is acquired through strength and strategic engagement, declaring Obio/Akpor Local Government Area a critical power bloc in Rivers State politics.
He also brushed aside calls for his removal from office, emphasizing that only the President has the authority to sack him.
Wike made the remarks on Sunday during a thank-you visit to Obio/Akpor, where he met with party leaders, traditional rulers, women, and youths. The visit forms part of his ongoing tour of Rivers State’s 23 local government areas to express gratitude for support during the 2023 general elections and to mobilise backing for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.
Addressing the gathering, Wike said politics must be driven by interest rather than emotion, insisting that power is taken, not handed over.
“Politics is about interest, not sentiment or emotion. Power is not given; it is fought for. If Donald Trump did not have power, would he go to Venezuela to determine who becomes president? He wouldn’t. Power is what gives you the ability to act,” he said.
Wike asserted that Obio/Akpor plays a decisive role in determining electoral outcomes in the state, noting that no governor or senator from Rivers East has emerged without the local government’s backing.
“Obio/Akpor has the power to determine who becomes governor. Let those who produce 5,000 votes compete with a local government that delivers 40 per cent of the votes. We will use our strength to respond. Abuse us today, but when you need votes tomorrow, we will answer with the votes,” he warned.
The former Rivers State governor also dismissed demands for his removal as FCT minister, reiterating that such decisions rest solely with the President.
“If my appointor feels I no longer have anything to offer, he has the right to act. Not outsiders. I am proud that the people of Obio/Akpor, Rivers State, and Nigerians know we have not disappointed them in the FCT,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Gift Worlu, described Wike as a major political asset to the council, the state, and the country. He praised Wike’s performance across various roles—local government chairman, chief of staff, governor, and minister—and reaffirmed the council’s loyalty to his leadership.
“When it comes to the presidency in 2027, we know where we stand. As for the Rivers governorship, we know where not to go. We will not choose ingratitude, disappointment, or disloyalty,” Worlu said.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, pledged the legislature’s continued support for Wike and President Tinubu.
“On behalf of the Assembly, we assure you of our prayers and support as you continue to support Mr President. Ignore the detractors. Nigerians know your value and your role in advancing 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, initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, over alleged gross misconduct.
The Majority Leader, Major Jack, presented a notice signed by 26 lawmakers, accusing the governor of approving over ₦800 billion in extra-budgetary spending without legislative approval, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, demolishing the Assembly complex, and disobeying Supreme Court rulings on legislative autonomy. A separate notice accused the deputy governor of complicity in unconstitutional expenditures.
Amaewhule said the notices would be served within seven days, in accordance with constitutional provisions.
The move marks a fresh escalation in the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State, which followed the fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike. Earlier impeachment attempts in 2023 and 2025 were stalled by presidential interventions, while President Bola Tinubu also previously declared a state of emergency in the state.