*** Urges Rivers Voters To Back President, Endorses Rainbow Coalition Candidates
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has declared that President Bola Tinubu deserves a second term in office, arguing that his administration has demonstrated the courage to undertake difficult economic reforms that previous governments failed to implement.
Wike made the declaration on Monday, during 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. 
He said the removal of the petrol subsidy, despite the economic difficulties it had imposed on Nigerians, demonstrated the president’s willingness to make difficult decisions in the country’s long-term interest.
According to Wike, Nigeria needs courageous leadership to address its structural challenges and put the country on a path to sustainable development.
He acknowledged that Nigerians were experiencing economic hardship but maintained that the reforms had increased the revenue available to state and local governments, enabling them to meet their obligations.
“We know what Nigerians are going through, but we are sure that things will get better.
“Most importantly, we know what this country was like before now. But leadership is key to the growth of a family, an association, a church or any business,” he said.
Wike argued that a leader must possess the courage to take unpopular decisions when necessary, rather than allow the fear of public criticism to prevent action on critical national issues.
He cited Tinubu’s decision to end the petrol subsidy regime shortly after assuming office on May 29, 2023, as an example of decisive leadership.
The minister said the subsidy had placed a significant financial burden on the country, contributing to difficulties in meeting obligations to workers, pensioners and other public institutions.
He maintained that the additional revenue accruing to subnational governments following the subsidy removal had created opportunities for improved governance and service delivery.
Wike, however, acknowledged that the reforms had not resolved all the country’s problems, insisting that Nigerians needed patience as the government worked towards economic stability.
Drawing from his experience as Rivers State governor, he recalled how his administration proceeded with major flyover projects despite criticism and temporary disruptions to businesses and transportation.
He said the projects eventually delivered benefits to residents, arguing that the experience illustrated why leaders must sometimes accept short-term inconveniences to achieve long-term development.
The former Rivers governor also contrasted the current administration with previous governments, questioning the capacity of some opposition figures to offer a credible alternative.
He cautioned voters against entrusting the country’s future to politicians he described as political gamblers, urging them to assess the records of those seeking public office.
“Don’t carry your destiny to political gamblers,” Wike told the gathering.
The minister said the town hall meeting was organised to ensure that residents were adequately informed about political developments and could make decisions based on their understanding of the issues at stake.
He maintained that inadequate information and political propaganda had influenced some decisions during the 2023 general election, warning residents against repeating what he described as past mistakes.
Wike also cautioned religious leaders against allowing political considerations to distract them from their spiritual responsibilities, arguing that politicians should provide the necessary explanations on political matters.
He said the engagement was intended to bring political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths and other stakeholders together to discuss the future of Rivers State and Nigeria.
Addressing the people of Eleme, he described the area as economically strategic to Nigeria, noting that its importance to the country’s economic activities placed a responsibility on its residents to make informed political choices.
He expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers, clergy, women, youths and other community stakeholders who attended the meeting, assuring them that the political leaders behind the initiative would work together for the state’s development.
Wike also used the occasion to promote the Rainbow Coalition, a political alliance bringing together members of different parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He said the coalition was formed to promote peace, unity and development in Rivers State, stressing that political differences should not be allowed to fuel violence or undermine governance.
The minister, who identified himself as a PDP national leader, said members of the coalition had agreed to work together and support candidates under the APC platform for the forthcoming elections.
He urged residents to support Tinubu’s re-election bid and the coalition’s preferred candidates for governorship, legislative and other elective positions.
According to him, the arrangement is intended to consolidate political cooperation and ensure that Rivers State benefits from stronger collaboration between the state and the Federal Government.
“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.
Wike also highlighted the importance of cooperation between the Federal Government, the Rivers State Government and elected representatives, arguing that such collaboration would help advance the state’s interests.
He called on the people of Eleme to support the coalition’s candidates, insisting that political stability and unity were necessary conditions for development.
The meeting was attended by political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women and youths, as well as representatives of the political parties participating in the Rainbow Coalition.
