…says tough reforms are laying foundation for Nigeria’s future, calls for peace and unity in Rivers
Favour Ishember, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has declared that President Bola Tinubu deserves another four-year term, saying his administration has shown the courage to implement difficult economic reforms that previous governments avoided.
Wike made the declaration on Monday at the Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State, where he urged residents to rally behind Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 presidential election.
He said the removal of the petrol subsidy, despite the hardship it brought to many Nigerians, reflected the president’s determination to take bold decisions in the country’s long-term interest.
According to Wike, Nigeria requires courageous leadership capable of confronting deep-rooted structural challenges and placing the nation on the path of sustainable growth.
He admitted that many Nigerians were facing economic difficulties but insisted that the reforms had boosted allocations to state and local governments, enabling them to meet key financial obligations and improve governance.
“We know what Nigerians are going through, but we are confident things will improve. Most importantly, we know what this country was like before now. Leadership is critical to the growth of a family, an association, a church or any business,” he said.
Wike maintained that true leadership demands the courage to take unpopular decisions instead of avoiding critical reforms because of fear of public criticism.
He pointed to Tinubu’s decision to scrap the petrol subsidy immediately after assuming office on May 29, 2023, describing it as a clear demonstration of decisive leadership.
The Minister said the subsidy regime had placed enormous pressure on the nation’s finances, making it difficult to meet obligations to workers, pensioners and public institutions.
He added that the increased revenue now flowing to subnational governments had opened opportunities for better service delivery and more effective governance.
While acknowledging that the reforms had not solved all of Nigeria’s economic problems, Wike appealed to citizens to remain patient as the government continued efforts to stabilise the economy.
Drawing from his experience as former governor of Rivers State, he recalled that his administration pressed ahead with major flyover projects despite criticism and temporary disruptions to businesses and transportation.
He said those projects later transformed the state, stressing that leaders must sometimes endure short-term inconvenience to secure lasting development.
The Former Rivers State Governor also compared the current administration with previous governments and questioned the ability of some opposition figures to provide a credible alternative for Nigerians.
He warned voters against handing the nation’s future to what he described as political gamblers and urged them to carefully examine the records of those seeking elective offices.
“Don’t carry your destiny to political gamblers,” Wike told the gathering.
He explained that the town hall meeting was organised to properly enlighten residents on current political developments so they could make informed electoral decisions.
According to Him, inadequate information and political propaganda influenced some voting decisions during the 2023 general election, warning the people against repeating what he described as previous mistakes.
Wike also advised religious leaders not to allow politics to distract them from their spiritual responsibilities, saying politicians should be the ones to explain political issues to the public.
He said the meeting brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths and other stakeholders to deliberate on the future of Rivers State and Nigeria.
Addressing the people of Eleme, Wike described the area as one of Nigeria’s most economically strategic locations and urged residents to make informed political choices.
He thanked the traditional rulers, clerics, women, youths and community stakeholders who attended the meeting and assured them that the political leaders behind the initiative would work together for the progress of Rivers State.
The Minister also promoted the Rainbow Coalition, describing it as an alliance bringing together members of different political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He said the coalition was established to foster peace, unity and development in Rivers State, stressing that political differences should never lead to violence or weaken governance.
Wike, who identified himself as a national leader of the PDP, disclosed that members of the coalition had agreed to work together and support candidates contesting under the APC platform in the forthcoming elections.
He urged residents to vote for President Tinubu’s re-election as well as the coalition’s preferred candidates for governorship, legislative seats and other elective positions.
According to Him, the arrangement is aimed at strengthening political cooperation and ensuring Rivers State benefits from closer collaboration with the Federal Government.
“We don’t want Rivers of blood. We don’t want rivers of shooting. The two main political parties in this state are APC and PDP. They have joined together with other political parties to say, ‘Let there be peace in Rivers State, let there be development and unity’,” he said.
Wike further stressed the need for strong cooperation between the Federal Government, the Rivers State Government and elected representatives, saying such collaboration would better protect the state’s interests.
He called on the people of Eleme to support the Rainbow Coalition’s candidates, insisting that political stability, peace and unity remain essential ingredients for meaningful development.
The Meeting was attended by political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths and representatives of the political parties participating in the Rainbow Coalition
