Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has said Rivers State should continue supporting President Bola Tinubu, citing federal appointments and development projects delivered under the current administration.
Wike made the remarks on Saturday in Port Harcourt during a luncheon organised by the Rainbow Coalition for candidates contesting the upcoming governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly elections in Rivers State.
The former Rivers governor urged residents to assess the state's gains under Tinubu's administration against what it received from previous federal governments.
According to him, Rivers has recorded significant benefits since 2023 through federal appointments and other opportunities.
"From 2023 to now, compare what Rivers State has benefited under this administration with what it got under previous governments. Look at the appointments and opportunities that have come to Rivers State," Wike said.
He added that the president had demonstrated goodwill towards the state, making continued support necessary.
Wike also said political choices should be based on governance and development rather than ethnic or regional considerations.
"It does not matter where a leader comes from. What matters is that the person will not make us regret supporting him. Our concern is good governance and the development of Rivers State," he said.
The FCT minister called on party supporters to prioritise grassroots mobilisation ahead of the elections, stressing that electoral success is determined at polling units rather than through media appearances.
"Television will not give you votes. What gives votes is going to your polling units, your wards and your local governments," he said.
Wike further warned against attempts to undermine the interests of Rivers people, saying residents would resist any effort to destabilise the state.
"Rivers people are peaceful, but nobody should take our peaceful disposition for granted. Nobody can come here and hijack what belongs to our people," he said.
