The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the South-South, Hon. Victor Giadom, has said that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, would need the backing of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to achieve any political success in the state.
Giadom made the statement on Tuesday during Wike’s thank-you visit to the people of Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Describing Wike as a dependable and dominant force in Rivers State politics, Giadom assured the minister of unwavering support from the people of Gokana, insisting that no political rival could challenge his influence in the area.
“I guarantee, on behalf of my brothers, that the people of Gokana are for Wike and Tinubu. Nobody will challenge Wike’s influence here,” Giadom said. “Gokana is a no-go area for anybody, even Governor Fubara. For him to win anything in Gokana, he must pass through Wike.”
Also speaking at the event, former Senator representing Rivers South-East, Magnus Abe, said the people of Gokana had already aligned themselves with Wike and President Bola Tinubu.
“Wike is a leader who unites the people, and that is why we are united,” Abe said. “If you follow Wike, you will not go home empty-handed. The Ogoni people are with you. Please tell Tinubu not to bother coming to Gokana to campaign; we are already for him.”
Similarly, the Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Dumle Maol, pledged the continued loyalty of the people of Gokana to the FCT minister.
“Anywhere you go, we will go,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of Gokana Local Government Area, Mr Confidence Deko, also reaffirmed the council’s support for Wike, praising his contributions to the area.
“This local government is for you because of what you have done for us,” Deko said.
“Please tell Tinubu that the people of Gokana are appreciative. The time for payback is near, and we will do the needful.”
In his response, Wike said the visit was to express gratitude to the people of Gokana for their sustained support over the years. He commended them for their unity and backing of President Tinubu, noting that unity would bring development and progress.
“When you are united, good things will come,” Wike said, urging the people to remain patient and follow the guidance of their leaders when the time comes.
The minister further stated that both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State were working together in support of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“That is why you see PDP and APC members here together,” he added.
