In Rivers, “agreement is agreement”, becoming emergency singer of “on your mandate we shall stand” won’t help anyone – Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Sunday cautioned politicians he described as “emergency” supporters of President Bola Tinubu, insisting that all political agreements in Rivers State must be respected.
Wike made the remarks while addressing political stakeholders in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.
He noted that the Ikwerre ethnic group delivered overwhelming support for Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, adding that the same level of backing would be repeated in the 2027 polls.
According to the former Rivers State governor, support for the President was demonstrated at a time when his victory was uncertain.
“In 2023, when the situation was difficult and many people doubted that Mr President would emerge, those of us from Ikwerre understood that politics involves taking risks, and we stood firmly behind him,” Wike said.
He explained that Tinubu’s success in Rivers State was largely driven by votes from Ikwerre communities, warning that such loyalty should not be taken for granted.
“We believed in the mandate when it truly mattered, not those who are only now chanting ‘on your mandate’ after the victory,” he added.
Wike stressed that true character is revealed during challenging times, not when success has already been secured, noting that his political stance was taken when circumstances were tough.
He also recalled being the first member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to publicly insist that the South must complete its eight-year tenure in the presidency, regardless of party affiliation.
“Some people were silent before, but now that the opposition is weak, they have suddenly found their voices. We have always stood by the mandate,” he said.
The minister, however, warned that Rivers State must remain vigilant, emphasizing that political agreements must be upheld.
“In Rivers, agreement is agreement. Becoming an emergency singer of ‘On your mandate we shall stand’ will not help anyone,” Wike declared.
