Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that President Bola Tinubu deserves a second term in office, citing his administration’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy as evidence of courageous leadership.
Wike made the declaration on Monday at a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he urged residents to support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 and the coalition’s preferred candidates in the forthcoming elections.
The minister acknowledged the economic hardship Nigerians are experiencing but maintained that the government’s reforms had increased revenue available to state and local governments, creating opportunities for improved governance and service delivery.
He argued that effective leadership requires the courage to make difficult decisions in the national interest, even when such decisions attract public criticism.
According to Wike, previous administrations had failed to take certain critical decisions necessary to address Nigeria’s structural challenges, while Tinubu demonstrated the political will to end the petrol subsidy regime shortly after assuming office on May 29, 2023.
He, however, urged Nigerians to exercise patience, expressing confidence that the country’s economic situation would improve as the government continued its reform efforts.Drawing from his experience as Rivers State governor, Wike recalled that his administration proceeded with major flyover projects despite public criticism and temporary disruptions to businesses and transportation.
He said the eventual benefits of the projects demonstrated the importance of accepting short-term inconveniences to achieve long-term development.
The former Rivers governor also cautioned voters against entrusting the country’s future to politicians he described as political gamblers, urging them to evaluate the records and capacity of candidates before making electoral decisions.
“Don’t carry your destiny to political gamblers,” Wike told the gathering.He further said the town hall meeting was organised to provide residents with information on political developments and enable them to make informed decisions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike also promoted the Rainbow Coalition, an alliance involving members of different political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).He said the coalition was established to promote peace, unity and development in Rivers State, stressing that political differences should not lead to violence or undermine governance.
The minister, who identified himself as a national leader of the PDP, disclosed that members of the coalition had agreed to work together and support candidates contesting under the APC platform in the forthcoming elections.
He called on Eleme residents to support Tinubu’s re-election bid, alongside the coalition’s preferred candidates for governorship, legislative and other elective positions.
Wike maintained that stronger cooperation between the Federal Government, the Rivers State Government and elected representatives would help advance the interests of the state.”We don’t want Rivers of blood. We don’t want rivers of shooting. The two main political parties in this state are APC and PDP.
They have joined together with other political parties to say, ‘Let there be peace in Rivers State, let there be development and unity’,” he said.
He also urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths and other community stakeholders to promote peace and participate actively in political discussions.
The meeting was attended by political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths and representatives of parties participating in the Rainbow Coalition.
