"I Fought My Way to Power," Wike Insists, Dismissing Claims of Political Patronage
Port Harcourt, Rivers State – Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vehemently denied claims that his governorship was a gift from political leaders in Rivers State. Speaking at a civic reception for loyalists in Port Harcourt on Friday, Wike asserted that while he acknowledges support from various individuals, his rise to power was the result of his own political maneuvering and efforts.
Wike's statement comes amidst a recent resurgence of old videos on social media, purportedly showing former First Lady Patience Jonathan presenting him to former Governor Peter Odili and other political figures as a preferred successor to Rotimi Amaechi. These videos have resurfaced against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, fueled by a deeper political rift in the state.
The Minister directly addressed the controversy, stating, “To be governor of Rivers State in 2014, I fought for the party structure. I took it from Magnus Abe. So you can't say you made me Governor.” He further challenged claims of political debt, acknowledging support but firmly rejecting the notion that his governorship was bestowed upon him. Wike specifically cited his struggles against political opponents, including Magnus Abe and Victor Giadom, as evidence of his hard-fought victory.
This public assertion counters long-standing narratives about Wike's ascension to the governorship, often attributed to the backing of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Patience Jonathan, and Peter Odili. The current political crisis in Rivers State, marked by the open support of Governor Fubara by Odili, appears to be the catalyst for Wike’s forceful rejection of these narratives. Wike expressed disappointment with Odili's involvement in the ongoing political conflict, believing he should be playing a more unifying, fatherly role instead of taking sides. De Parrot Media will continue to monitor this developing story and its implications for the political landscape of Rivers State.