Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said he has no regrets openly supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since 2022, stressing that criticism and abuses over his political choices have never bothered him.
Wike stated this at a special event held in the early hours of Saturday at his Abuja residence to mark his 58th birthday anniversary.
The former Rivers State governor said his decision to support President Tinubu before, during and after the 2023 presidential election was guided by character, integrity, equity and justice, noting that he never hid his position at any point.
According to him, he was the only leading figure from the main opposition party who openly declared support for Tinubu ahead of the election, insisting that power needed to shift to the South at the time.
Wike also cited the outcome of the 2023 general elections in Rivers State as evidence of his leadership capacity, pointing out that while the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the presidential election in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victories in the governorship, National Assembly, State House of Assembly and local government polls under his watch.
Leaders across party lines attended the birthday event, including National Assembly members from Rivers State, serving and former lawmakers, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, local government chairmen, political associates and close friends.
Several speakers described the FCT Minister as an achiever and astute politician whose influence cuts across party lines.
Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and former PDP Chairman, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, described Wike as the “naked wire” of Rivers politics, saying President Tinubu made the right choice by working with him.
Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, who led 27 lawmakers to the event, thanked Wike for his leadership and pledged the continued loyalty of the Assembly members to him.
Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government and Rivers State ALGON Chairman, Hon. Allwell Ihunda, also praised Wike, describing him as a consistent and compassionate leader.
Other dignitaries at the event included Chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, Mohammed Abdulrahman; PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; PDP National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Orbih; APC chieftain, Hon. Victor Giadom; former Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; Senators Sandy Onor, Magnus Abe, George Sekibo, and Barinada Mpigi, among others.
In his remarks, Wike thanked his political family and associates for their steadfast support, acknowledging their role in his political journey.
He said he remained fulfilled working with his people and pledged to continue collaborating with them in the interest of Rivers State and Nigeria.
Wike added that criticism and abuse only motivate him further, stressing that he has never been distracted by those who attack him.
The event ended with special prayers for the Minister and his family.
