The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that peace has returned to Rivers State following the mediating influence of President Bola Tinubu in the political rift between him and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Speaking during a media chat in Abuja on Monday, Wike said the crisis had been resolved in the interest of the state. According to him, leadership requires compromise and maturity.
“Leadership is about give and take. You have to be able to swallow certain things. From what I have seen, there is no cause for alarm,” he stated, adding that necessary steps had been taken to ilise the political atmosphere in Rivers.
Commenting on the February 21 Area Council elections in the FCT, Wike said the internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party has made it risky for aspirants to contest under its platform. He questioned who within the party has the authority to properly communicate candidates names to the Independent National Electoral Commission, describing the situation as a major uncertainty for potential contestants.
Wike reiterated his support for Tinubu second term bid in 2027, stressing that he would back candidates who align with the President regardless of party affiliation.
In a sharp critique of the FCT political landscape, Wike also took aim at Senator Ireti Kingibe, claiming her political future is bleak. He cited low voter turnout in her polling unit during the recent elections as evidence of weak grassroots support.
The minister further criticised the African Democratic Congress and opposition figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, accusing them of political theatrics.
He maintained that his presence at some polling units during the council elections was within his mandate as chief security officer of the FCT and did not influence the outcome.
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