Amid Rift With Fubara, Wike Preaches Unity At Andoni LGA

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday called on leaders and residents of Rivers State to embrace unity for the growth and development of the state.

Wike made the call during his ongoing “thank you” visit to Andoni Local Government Area of the state, where he said unity among leaders had played a key role in the progress recorded in the area.

Meanwhile, Wike’s call came amid his renewed rift with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his bid to stop the governor’s re-election.

During the visit, the minister stressed that sustained cooperation at both the local and state levels would guarantee greater development, urging the people of Andoni to continue working together.

According to him, more dividends of democracy would come to the area if unity among leaders was maintained.

The minister disclosed that politicians in Rivers State were currently united under what he described as a “Rainbow Coalition” within the Renewed Hope Family, aimed at ensuring the re-election of President Bola Tinubu for a second term.

“We don’t have party allegiance in Rivers. What we have is a Rainbow Coalition under the Renewed Hope Family, pursuing a common cause and interest,” Wike said.

Recalling the 2023 general election, he said, “You supported Tinubu in 2023 and today we are seeing the results. Do the same in 2027. For our local politics, at the appropriate time, we will take a decision to correct the mistake we made in 2023.”

Speaking at the event, the member representing Andoni in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr. Ofiks Kagbang, praised Wike for his contributions to the constituency and pledged the people’s loyalty to his political direction ahead of 2027.

“I am an Ijaw son, and I want to let you know that Ijaw people are grateful people. The one in the Government House is a mistake, and we will correct that mistake when the time comes,” Kagbang said.

Earlier, the Chairman of Andoni Local Government Council, Mr. Prince Otuo, told the gathering that Wike had united party leaders in the area to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Otuo also expressed appreciation to the minister for the support, employment opportunities, and development projects extended to Andoni during Wike’s tenure as governor of Rivers State.