Rivers Political Chess: Power is taken, not given, Wike fires back at critics
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has fired back at critics of his political choices, declaring that power is taken and not given, and that politics is guided by interests and the will of the people, not sentiment or emotions.
He said those attacking his decisions failed to understand the realities of political engagement and the dynamics of power.
Wike made the remarks on Sunday during the grand finale of his thank-you tour to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, his political stronghold, where he addressed a large gathering of supporters and political leaders.
The event, he said, was also an opportunity to speak frankly to those questioning his political path.
The minister further stated that there is no room for emotions in politics, insisting that interest remains the driving force, adding that Obio/Akpor possesses the political strength to influence who occupies key elective positions in Rivers State.
“Power is not given but taken” saying, “for the people of Obio/Akpor, we have the power to dictate who becomes a governor in Rivers.
“Nobody has become governor in this state without Obio/Akpor making a pronouncement; nobody has become a senator of Rivers East without Obio/Akpor making a decision.
“So, if you like, abuse us, after abusing us, come and look for our votes and we will punish you with the votes.” He said
Speaking further, the minster said that President Tinubu knows his worth and as such, does not need anybody to tell him what to do.
The minister said that Tinubu has done so much for Rivers people, stressing that the people would return the favour in 2027.
“Don’t bother about people who say ‘sack him.’ If my appointor believes that I cannot offer anything again, he has the right; it is not in your place to tell him what to do.” Wike said
Addressing his supporters, the minister stressed that his entry into politics was a conscious and deliberate choice, not an accident or a fallback option. He said he clearly chose the political arena and was prepared to play the game by its own rules.
Taking a swipe at his critics, Wike said he did not aspire to be a pastor, trader, journalist, or public commentator, but a politician, and should therefore be allowed to conduct his politics without interference.
He maintained that his role was to take political decisions, not to please sentiments.
“I did not say I wanted to be a journalist. I did not say I wanted to shape public opinion through writing. I said clearly that I wanted to be a politician and that is what I am.” Wike said
He added that his visit to Obio/Akpor was borne out of gratitude, noting that acknowledging support is a fundamental principle of leadership.
“This time, I called on you and you responded positively. I felt it was important to come back and say thank you”.
“When someone does good to you, you acknowledge it. Gratitude matters,” Wike said.
Earlier, Mr Kingsley Chinda, Minority Leader of the House of Representative, pointed out that Obio/Akpor has over 684,000 votes out of the 3.5 million registered voters in Rivers State.
Chinda, who represents the LGA in the Green Chamber, said that with such voting strength, nobody would challenge the political power of the LGA in the state.
“Just go home. Tell us what you want us to do and we will do it,” he told the minister.
Chairman of the Council, Dr Gift Worlu, described Wike as a “gift” to the LGA, the state and the country, due to his outstanding performance in public service at the local, state and national levels.
Worlu thanked the minister for the many things he had done for the people of the LGA, adding that supporting the election of Tinubu in 2023 had led to the harvest upon harvest of benefits to the people.
He assured the minister that the people know where to go in the 2027 presidential election in the state.
Speaking on the gubernatorial election, the chairman said, “we do not know where to go yet, but we know where not to go”.
Also, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, reassured the minister of the full support of people in the local government area.
Amaewhule added that members of the State Assembly would continue to pray for him and support his call for the reelection of Tinubu for a second term.
“Tell Mr President that what we did for him in 2023 we will do even better in 2027,” he said.
