Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has refuted claims that his position as Governor of Rivers State was handed to him by influential political leaders in the state.
Speaking at a civic reception in Port Harcourt on Friday, Wike stated that although he received support from various political figures, his rise to power was largely due to his own efforts and determination.
The event was attended by loyal politicians from Rivers State, where Wike addressed the circulating claims.
He rejected suggestions that he was a product of political favor, contrasting his journey to that of Siminalayi Fubara, the current Governor of Rivers State, whom he asserted he played a significant role in making governor.
The controversy stems from old videos resurfacing online, which appear to show former First Lady Patience Jonathan introducing Wike as the preferred successor to then-Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
Wike expressed disappointment in former Governor Peter Odili for openly supporting Fubara in the ongoing political crisis. He argued that Odili should have remained neutral, acting as a father figure rather than taking sides.
During his remarks, Wike clarified: “You didn’t give me. To be governor of Rivers State 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, took the party structure.
“So, nobody can say I brought Wike, I dashed you. Nobody can say that. But it would be unfair to me, to Almighty God, for me to say nobody supported me.
“No you can’t say that. You need people’s support, but not to say you gave me.”
