“No Leader Holds Power Forever” — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said political power is temporary and that leadership inevitably changes hands.

Wike made the statement during a thank-you visit to the Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he addressed party leaders, traditional rulers, women, and youth groups.

The visit is part of his tour of the state’s 23 local government areas to appreciate residents for their support in the 2023 general elections and to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.

Speaking on leadership, Wike said no individual can remain in authority indefinitely, stressing that power is time-bound.

“Today I am a leader; tomorrow it will be someone else’s turn. No one can be a leader forever,” he said.

He noted that succession is a natural part of governance and urged political actors to accept the reality of change in leadership.

“Everyone has their own time. When your time comes, you must serve to the satisfaction of the people and in line with God’s will,” Wike said.

The FCT minister called on leaders to remain open to advice, describing responsiveness as a key measure of good leadership.

“A leader who is advised and refuses to change is not a good leader. A good leader listens to the people,” he added.

Wike also said Rivers State has shown an uncommon capacity for political cooperation across party lines, which he described as a factor in the emergence of the current president.

His remarks come as the Rivers State House of Assembly continues impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara over the non-presentation of the 2026 budget and alleged mismanagement of public funds.

Most of the lawmakers are considered loyal to Wike, who has repeatedly accused Fubara of abandoning a peace agreement reached before the president lifted the emergency rule in the state.