Favour Ishember, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that Rivers State is firmly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while launching a fresh criticism against opposition figures Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi during a youth mobilisation rally in Port Harcourt.
Addressing a large gathering of Rivers Rainbow Coalition youths on Tuesday, Wike described Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, as an unreliable politician who cannot be trusted to keep his promises.
Wike said his past experience working in the same political party with Atiku showed that the former vice president often changes his positions, insisting that his words cannot always be relied upon.
**“I have been in the same party with Atiku Abubakar. He is not a man who keeps to his words. What he says in the night is not what he says in the morning,” Wike told the cheering crowd.
The FCT Minister labelled Atiku a “political gambler” who has contested for the presidency multiple times, arguing that supporting him would amount to backing an ambition driven by personal interests rather than public service.
When Wike asked the crowd whether they would vote for Atiku, the youths responded with a loud “No!”
He also criticised the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, describing him as a “social media president” and accusing his supporters of relying mainly on online campaigns.
Wike said Obi’s activities were limited to social media popularity, adding that supporters could only make him “president of social media” rather than a leader capable of delivering tangible development.
The minister challenged previous political leaders to showcase concrete achievements they delivered for Rivers State, contrasting their records with what he described as the visible projects executed under President Tinubu’s administration.
Wike defended his support for Tinubu, saying Rivers State has received unprecedented federal attention under the current government compared with previous democratic administrations.
He revealed that 49 Rivers indigenes currently occupy strategic positions in the Federal Government, describing the development as a historic achievement for the state.
Highlighting major infrastructure projects, Wike pointed to the Bonny-Bodo road and bridge network, saying residents can now travel conveniently to Bodo for the first time since the area was established.
He said political support should be based on leaders who can deliver meaningful impact rather than those judged only by popularity.
**“We’re not looking for those who are fine or finer. We’re looking for those who will do something that will positively impact Nigerians and also impact Rivers people,” Wike said.
Reaffirming his position, Wike insisted that Rivers State belongs to Tinubu and urged Rainbow Coalition youths to mobilise residents, community leaders and grassroots supporters for the president and other coalition candidates.
**“Whether you are Atiku, whether you are Obi, Rivers State is for Tinubu!” Wike declared, as supporters responded with chants of “Eeeeeh Tinubu! Oooh!”
The minister disclosed that the Rivers Rainbow Coalition would formally unveil its candidates on October 27, stressing that the political movement had come to stay.
Speaking at the event, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Mr. Kingsley Chinda, assured youths that his administration would prioritise youth participation, vocational training and community development if elected.
Chinda said Rivers youths were fully committed to supporting Tinubu’s presidential ambition, adding that the coalition’s strength was built on unity and collective action.
He promised to reform the state’s education system by introducing stronger technical and vocational training from primary to secondary school levels.
According to Chinda, Rivers State would soon become a hub for skilled craftsmen, where Nigerians seeking quality technical services would look to the state instead of travelling elsewhere.
He said developing young people remained central to rebuilding the state, adding that local government chairmen across the 23 councils would be mandated to prioritise youth empowerment and vocational centres.
Meanwhile, leaders of various youth organisations at the rally endorsed Tinubu and coalition candidates, praising Wike’s leadership and describing him as a unifying force in Rivers politics.
The Coordinator of Rivers State Rainbow Coalition Youth and South-South Coordinator of City Boys, Mr. Chima Aguma, pledged strong grassroots mobilisation to ensure victory for Tinubu and other coalition candidates.
Aguma said members of the coalition represented people who had stood with Wike throughout his political journey and remained committed to supporting his cause.
Also, the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Rivers State chapter, Mr. Bani Nwisabari, honoured Wike with a recognition plaque for promoting political inclusion and unity.
Nwisabari described Wike as an empowerment strategist, recalling his appointment as a member of the state’s Senior Secondary School Board and pledging continued support ahead of the 2027 elections.
Similarly, the President of the National Union of Rivers State Students (NURSS), Justice Uranta, highlighted Wike’s student-focused projects, including the permanent NURSS secretariat.
Uranta assured the minister that Rivers students would mobilise across all 23 local government areas, campuses within the state and communities in the diaspora to support Tinubu and Chinda in the 2027 elections.
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