The FCT Minister says the removal of petrol subsidy reflects Tinubu’s political courage, urging Rivers residents to support the president and Rainbow Coalition candidates in 2027….
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has thrown his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, arguing that the president deserves another four years for taking difficult economic decisions he says previous administrations avoided.
Wike made the appeal on Monday at a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he urged residents to support Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election and back candidates endorsed by the coalition.
He cited the removal of the petrol subsidy shortly after Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, as evidence of the president’s willingness to confront Nigeria’s longstanding economic challenges despite the immediate hardship faced by citizens.
According to the minister, Nigeria needs leaders who can make difficult decisions in the country’s long-term interest rather than allow the fear of public criticism to prevent necessary reforms.
While acknowledging the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians, Wike argued that the changes had increased revenue available to state and local governments, creating greater opportunities to meet financial obligations and improve public services.
“We know what Nigerians are going through, but we are sure that things will get better,” he said, adding that leadership remained central to the growth and development of any institution or society.
The former Rivers State governor maintained that the petrol subsidy regime had placed a substantial burden on public finances, making it difficult for the government to meet obligations to workers, pensioners and public institutions.
He argued that the additional revenue accruing to subnational governments following the policy change had strengthened their capacity to fund development projects and deliver services.
However, Wike acknowledged that the reforms had not resolved all of Nigeria’s economic problems, urging citizens to exercise patience while the government pursued economic stability.
To reinforce his argument, he drew parallels with his tenure as Rivers governor, recalling that his administration continued with major flyover projects despite criticism and temporary disruptions to businesses and transportation.
He said the projects eventually benefited residents, insisting that leaders must sometimes accept short-term inconveniences to achieve lasting development.
Wike also questioned the ability of some opposition politicians to provide a credible alternative to the current administration, urging voters to examine the records of candidates before entrusting them with public office.
“Don’t carry your destiny to political gamblers,” he told the gathering.
He said the town hall meeting was organised to help residents understand political developments and make informed decisions, arguing that misinformation and political propaganda had influenced some voting choices during the 2023 general election.
The minister also advised religious leaders against allowing political considerations to distract them from their spiritual responsibilities, saying politicians should take the lead in explaining political issues to the public.
Describing Eleme as economically strategic to Nigeria, Wike said the area’s contribution to national economic activities made it important for residents to carefully consider the choices before them.
Beyond Tinubu’s re-election campaign, Wike used the meeting to promote the Rainbow Coalition, an alliance involving politicians from different parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Identifying himself as a national leader of the PDP, he said members of the coalition had agreed to work together and support candidates contesting under the APC platform in the forthcoming elections.
He called on residents to support the coalition’s preferred candidates for governorship, legislative and other elective positions, arguing that political cooperation would strengthen relations between Rivers State and the Federal Government.
Wike said the alliance was intended to promote peace, unity and development while preventing political differences from escalating into violence or undermining governance.
“We don’t want Rivers of blood. We don’t want rivers of shooting,” he said, explaining that the APC, PDP and other participating parties had come together to pursue peace and development in the state.
He further stressed the importance of cooperation among the Federal Government, the Rivers State Government and elected representatives, arguing that stronger collaboration would help advance the interests of residents.
The meeting brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths and representatives of parties participating in the Rainbow Coalition.
