Wike Rejects Claims of Being Made Rivers Governor, Reveals His Political Battle
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that political leaders in Rivers State were responsible for making him the state’s governor. While acknowledging the support he received from certain figures, Wike emphasized that his rise to power was the result of his own efforts and political struggles.
Wike made the bold remarks during a civic reception in Port Harcourt, which was held to honor his loyal supporters from Rivers State. His comments come amid the resurfacing of old social media videos, where former First Lady Patience Jonathan appeared to introduce Wike to former Governor Peter Odili and other political leaders as the preferred successor to Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
The videos gained attention amid ongoing tensions between Wike and Odili, fueled by the political crisis in Rivers State. Wike has been in a bitter disagreement with his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and has also expressed frustration over Odili’s vocal support for Fubara. Wike criticized the former governor for not taking a neutral stance and acting as a unifying figure during the crisis.
Refuting the claim that he was made governor, Wike asserted, “You didn’t give me the governorship of Rivers State in 2014; I fought for the party structure. I took it from Magnus Abe. Yes, I did.” Wike further stated that no individual could claim credit for his political success, asserting, “Nobody can say I brought Wike, I dashed you. Nobody can say that.”
Despite rejecting the notion of being “made” governor, Wike did acknowledge the importance of political support, stating, “But it would be unfair for me to say nobody supported me. No, you can’t say that. You need people’s support, but not to say you gave me.”
While Wike did not delve further into specifics, the comments seemed to reflect his frustration over the current state of politics in Rivers and his strained relationship with key political figures, including Odili. It is well-documented that former President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife Patience, and Peter Odili played key roles in Wike’s emergence as governor in 2015, particularly after Wike’s fallout with then-Governor Amaechi.
