The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a pointed warning to governors and political leaders who support what he termed “betrayers.” During an event on February 7, 2024, in Port Harcourt, Wike claimed that those aligning with disloyal figures will ultimately face dire consequences. His remarks came at the inauguration of the Rivers State Renewed Hope Ambassadors headquarters, where he reinforced his commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 election.
Wike’s comments reflect a long-standing political rivalry with Siminalayi Fubara, the current governor of Rivers State. He cautioned that the spiritual repercussions of political betrayal would soon catch up with those who endorse it. “Let me tell you one thing: whoever is watching, whether you are a senator, a House of Representatives member, or a governor, if you support betrayers, you will continue to be betrayed in life,” he stated emphatically.
Addressing the audience, Wike elaborated on the personal toll that betrayal can take on political leaders. He warned that those who engage in such disloyalty would find themselves at the mercy of their own actions. “Betrayal is your portion, and the day you will be betrayed, you will not have a mouth to say anything; there you will collapse. You will reap the seed that you planted,” he added.
Wike also reflected on his own experience with betrayal, noting that it took his successor several months to turn against him, while he predicted that others supporting “betrayers” would encounter swift disloyalty from their successors. “Watch every governor who is doing his second tenure, who has ambitions to put a successor and is supporting a betrayer – you will never survive it,” he warned.
The minister underscored the importance of political loyalty as both a spiritual and moral obligation. He framed the current political climate as a direct result of past actions, stating, “Whatever you sow, you will reap it.” He emphasized that the newly inaugurated infrastructure, which includes a radio station and a situation room, would serve as a platform for those dedicated to Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, contrasting them with those he deemed unfaithful.
Wike further asserted that supporters of President Tinubu in Rivers State do not require the endorsement of a sitting governor to rally for the president’s re-election. He commended the efforts of the Rivers State Renewed Hope Ambassadors’ coordinator, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, for what he described as extensive grassroots mobilization throughout the state.
“I have said before that Rivers State is a no-go area, and I want to say again that this State is totally for Tinubu. We have ensured that all 23 local governments and zonal coordinators have been inaugurated. That day, Nigerians all over the world watched that Rivers State is a no-go area,” Wike asserted.
According to the minister, the coalition of local leaders, including senators, assembly members, and party chairs from both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has banded together to support the president. Wike emphasized that this grassroots mobilization is sufficient to advocate for Tinubu’s campaign without relying on the current governor’s assistance.
Wike’s remarks resonate within a broader context of political dynamics in Nigeria, where loyalty and betrayal remain pivotal themes as the nation approaches the next presidential elections. His warnings serve as a reminder of the intricate relationships that define political allegiances in the country.
