The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, has declared that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, remains the political leader of the state despite ongoing political tensions.
Amaewhule stated this on Sunday during Wike’s thank-you visit to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, where he highlighted the role played by lawmakers loyal to the former governor in securing victory for President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State during the 2023 general elections.
According to the Speaker, Wike’s influence and political relevance in the state remain intact, adding that residents of Obio/Akpor turned out to reaffirm their support for him and the President’s Renewed Hope agenda.
He disclosed that the Assembly had resolved to intensify mobilisation across polling units, wards and local government areas ahead of the 2027 elections, assuring that lawmakers would surpass their performance in the last general polls.
Also speaking at the event, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, said Wike’s political base in Obio/Akpor remained unshakable, stressing that no individual or group could intimidate him in Rivers State.
Chinda described Obio/Akpor as Wike’s political fortress with a strong voting population and expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for appointing the former Rivers governor as a minister.
In his response, Wike refuted claims that his appointment as FCT minister was tied to any formal agreement with the President, saying no pact was signed before the 2023 election.
He maintained that political power is attained through effective organisation and mobilisation, adding that Obio/Akpor has historically played a decisive role in electoral outcomes in Rivers State, while expressing confidence that the 2027 presidential election would favour Tinubu.