Thousands of supporters gathered on Sunday at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Rumuola, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, concluded the grand finale of his statewide “Thank You” tour.
The event attracted a large crowd made up of political leaders, party loyalists, youths, women, and various support groups from across Rivers State. The venue was filled with chants and songs in solidarity with Wike, who is a former governor of the state and an indigene of Obio/Akpor.
Addressing the gathering, Wike expressed gratitude to the chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, and residents of the council for what he described as an overwhelming show of support and loyalty. He said the reception reflected the longstanding political relationship between him and the people of the area.
Wike stated that Obio/Akpor occupies a strategic position in the political structure of Rivers State, noting that the local government accounts for a significant percentage of the state’s total votes. He declared that no political force could undermine the influence of the area.
According to the FCT minister, Obio/Akpor has remained steadfast in its support for him since 1999, adding that the loyalty shown over the years would once again be demonstrated during the 2027 general elections. He assured supporters that Rivers State, particularly Obio/Akpor, would deliver massive votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Wike also used the occasion to criticize Senator Azuta Mbata, accusing him of failing to bury his mother for over three years due to disagreements over property sharing. He said the situation had negatively affected the senator’s public image and standing.
Earlier, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, welcomed Wike and described him as a gift to the local government, to leadership, and to Nigeria as a whole. He told the crowd that the visit was an opportunity for the people to appreciate Wike rather than receive thanks from him.
Worlu praised Wike for mentoring political leaders and facilitating appointments for indigenes of Obio/Akpor at both state and federal levels. He described Wike as the most outstanding council chairman, the most impactful Chief of Staff, the most performing governor in the history of Rivers State, and one of the most effective ministers in Nigeria.
Reflecting on the 2023 general elections, Worlu said the political direction provided by Wike guided the choices made by the people. He added that the support had translated into what he described as “harvest upon harvest,” including appointments, projects, and opportunities for Rivers State and Obio/Akpor.
He said the people of the local government were clear about where they stood regarding the 2027 presidential election and also clear about where they would not align in the Rivers governorship contest. According to him, the people would not support ingratitude, disrespect, or disloyalty.
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Chike Amaewhule, also addressed the rally and reassured President Tinubu of the loyalty of the people of Obio/Akpor. He said the local government would continue to support the president and his administration.
Amaewhule urged President Tinubu not to be distracted by critics, stating that Nigerians who mattered understood the importance of his leadership and the Renewed Hope Agenda. He recalled that Obio/Akpor delivered one of the highest votes for Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election.
He promised that the support would be even stronger in 2027, assuring that the area would surpass its previous performance. He also offered prayers for the president’s health, strength, and success.
Also speaking at the event, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Barrister O.C.J. Okocha, SAN, described Wike as a worthy ambassador of Rivers State and Obio/Akpor. He praised Wike’s record as governor and commended his ongoing efforts to transform the Federal Capital Territory.
Okocha said the people were proud of Wike’s achievements and described him as a winning figure in Rivers State and Nigerian politics. He added that Wike’s political influence and leadership had continued to shape outcomes both within the state and at the national level.
The rally marked the conclusion of Wike’s statewide tour, which he said was organised to appreciate supporters for their loyalty and support over the years, while also setting the tone for future political engagements ahead of the 2027 elections.
