Thousands of supporters on Sunday converged on the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, concluded the grand finale of his statewide “Thank You” tour across Rivers State.
The venue was packed with political leaders, party faithful, youths, women’s groups and various support organisations from across the state, creating a carnival-like atmosphere as supporters chanted solidarity songs in celebration of the former Rivers State governor.
Addressing the crowd, Wike commended the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, for what he described as the overwhelming show of loyalty and affection by the people of the area.
“Obio/Akpor people are grateful people. Obio/Akpor alone accounts for about 40 per cent of the votes in Rivers State, and nobody can toy with this local government,” Wike declared.
He recalled the consistent support he has received from Obio/Akpor since 1999, noting that the people have remained steadfast throughout his political career. According to him, that same loyalty will again be reflected in the 2027 general elections.
“The people of Obio/Akpor and Rivers State will vote massively for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027,” Wike assured.
In his welcome address, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu described Wike as “a gift to Obio/Akpor, a gift to leadership, and a gift to Nigeria,” saying the visit was an opportunity for the people to express gratitude for his leadership and political guidance.
“This visit is not your visit; it is our visit. It is not a time for you to tell us thank you, but a time for us to tell you thank you,” Worlu said.
He praised Wike for mentoring leaders and facilitating appointments and opportunities for indigenes of Obio/Akpor, describing him as the most outstanding chairman, the most impactful Chief of Staff, the most performing governor in the history of Rivers State, and one of the most effective ministers in the country.
Worlu also recalled Wike’s political direction during the 2023 elections, when he urged his supporters to back President Tinubu.
“Because we trusted you, we followed you. Today, it has been harvest upon harvest — appointments, projects and opportunities for our state and our local government,” he said.
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, reaffirmed Obio/Akpor’s loyalty to President Tinubu, pledging even greater support in 2027 than in the last election.
“When you go back, tell Mr. President that what we did in 2023, we will do even more in 2027,” Amaewhule said, while offering prayers for the President’s continued strength and success.
Also speaking, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Barr. O.C.J. Okocha, SAN, praised Wike for his performance both as governor and as FCT minister, describing him as a worthy ambassador of Rivers State.
“We are proud of you. We cannot thank you enough. It is only God that can bless you and the most preferred President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Okocha said, hailing Wike as a major force in Rivers and national politics.
The event marked the climax of Wike’s statewide tour, which he said was aimed at appreciating Rivers people for their support over the years and reaffirming his political direction ahead of 2027.
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