I Fought Hard For My Position’ – Wike Dismisses Claims Of Being Handpicked As Governor

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that his emergence as Governor of Rivers State was orchestrated by political leaders in the region.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

While acknowledging the support he received from some leaders, Wike maintained that his ascension to power was driven by his own efforts and determination.

Speaking at a civic reception for his loyalists in Port Harcourt on Friday, Wike contrasted his political journey with that of the current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, whom he claimed to have personally installed as governor.

His remarks follow the resurfacing of social media videos showing former First Lady Patience Jonathan introducing Wike to ex-Governor Peter Odili and other political leaders as the preferred successor to Rotimi Amaechi. These videos have reignited debates, particularly amid the ongoing political tensions between Wike and Odili, which stem from the rift between the minister and Governor Fubara.

Expressing his dissatisfaction, Wike criticized Odili for aligning openly with Governor Fubara instead of taking a neutral and elder statesman-like stance in the state’s political crisis.

Reflecting on his political journey, Wike stated:
“You didn’t give me [the position]. To be governor of Rivers State in 2014, I fought for the party structure. I took it from Magnus Abe, yes, I did.

“So, you can’t say you made me governor. Nobody. I don’t want to make comments about certain people—I won’t do that.

“You, Magnus; all of you, Victor Giadom—I fought you people and took the party structure.

“So, nobody can say, ‘I brought Wike; I made you governor.’ But it would be unfair to me and to Almighty God to claim that nobody supported me.”