Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, says President Bola Tinubu deserves a second term in office due to his courageous leadership in undertaking difficult economic reforms.
Mr Wike spoke on Monday in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers, during a stakeholders’ townhall organised by the Rainbow Coalition.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting brought together traditional rulers, clergy, women, youth groups and political leaders across party lines to deliberate on the political and economic future of the state.
The minister urged residents of the area to support Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid to deliver full benefits of the ongoing economic reforms in the country.
He noted that previous administrations lacked the political will to implement crucial economic policies, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy, which had placed a severe financial burden on the nation.
“Leadership is key to the growth of any family, association, church, or business.
“A true leader must possess the courage to take unpopular decisions when necessary, rather than allowing the fear of public criticism to prevent action on critical national issues,” the minister said.
Wike acknowledged that while the economic reforms have brought temporary hardship to Nigerians, they were necessary steps toward addressing structural challenges and putting the country on a path to sustainable development.
He said that the elimination of the fuel subsidy regime shortly after Tinubu assumed office in 2023, had significantly increased revenue allocations to state and local governments, enabling subnational entities to better 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,” Wike added.
He compared the short-term pain of national reforms to major infrastructure projects he executed as governor of Rivers, which initially caused disruptions but ultimately delivered long-term benefits.
The minister urged voters in Rivers to guard their future by supporting tested leadership rather than entrusting the country to political gamblers.
He also called on the electorate to back candidates aligned with the Rainbow Coalition.
He described the coalition as a cross-party alliance comprising members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other political groups aimed at fostering peace, unity, and governance in Rivers.
Wike, a leader in the PDP, said the coalition members had agreed to collaborate and support APC candidates in forthcoming elections to strengthen ties between the state and the Federal Government.
“We don’t want a state of violence or shooting. The two main political parties in this state, APC and PDP, have joined together with others to say, ‘Let there be peace, development, and unity in Rivers’,” he said.
NAN