The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning that he will deploy his political strength to “punish” opponents, emphasizing that power must be fought for and is not freely given.
Wike made the remarks on Sunday during a “thank you” tour in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State — his home local government and the grand finale of his visits across various LGAs in the state. The event took place against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his successor.
In his address, Wike underscored the competitive nature of political power, stating: “Power is not dashed, you struggle for it.” He cited an example involving U.S. President Donald Trump, saying: “If Donald Trump doesn’t have power he would not go to Venezuela to pick up the President.”
Drawing a parallel to local dynamics, Wike questioned the ability of smaller political bases to challenge stronger ones, adding: “Can a local government area that produced 5,000 votes challenge a local government that produces 40 percent of the votes? We will use our strength to punish people.”
The comments have drawn attention amid the ongoing feud in Rivers State, where pro-Wike lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly recently initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara — marking the third such attempt since 2023. The latest moves are reportedly linked to disputes over the 2026 state budget, with allegations that Fubara rejected certain proposed projects.
The crisis has sparked wider reactions, including calls from some APC groups and other stakeholders for President Bola Tinubu to remove Wike from his ministerial position, accusing him of fueling instability in the oil-rich state. President Tinubu has previously intervened in the Wike-Fubara rift to broker peace, though tensions have resurfaced.
Wike’s visit to Obio/Akpor, a key political stronghold that delivered significant votes in past elections, also featured reaffirmations of loyalty from supporters and assembly members aligned with him, who described him as the state’s undisputed political leader.
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