By Abubakar Yusuf
Biblical teachings, as well as verses from the Holy Qur’an, often suggest that a prophet is rarely honoured in his homeland. Human experience, reinforced by age-old wisdom, echoes this belief. In Igala parlance from Kogi State, a popular adage observes that people rarely appreciate what they have until it is lost.
However, this long-held notion appears to have been upended in the case of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Nzenwo Wike, whose recent “Thank You Tour” of Rivers State demonstrated that a prophet can indeed be honoured at home.
For Wike, the Renewed Hope Agenda and the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remain central to his political mobilisation and engagement. His tour of Rivers State, following the 2023 general elections, marked a significant political moment, reflecting a new direction and unconventional strategy that has reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape.
During the 2023 elections, Wike delivered an unprecedented political outcome in Rivers State—securing an overwhelming majority of votes for President Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) retained the governorship, all seats in the State House of Assembly, the House of Representatives, and the Senate. This political configuration, widely regarded as historic, underscored Wike’s influence, political dexterity, and enduring popularity.
Despite remaining a card-carrying member of the PDP, Nigeria’s main opposition party, Wike accepted an appointment as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under the APC-led administration of President Tinubu—a move that further highlighted his distinct political trajectory and relevance.
The recent tour across Rivers State, which spanned all 23 local government areas, reaffirmed his strong grassroots presence ahead of the 2027 general elections. As politics is ultimately a game of numbers and local connections, the tour served as a strategic re-engagement with his political base.
The minister visited Abua/Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Akuku-Toru, Andoni, Asari-Toru, Bonny, Degema, Eleme, Emohua, Etche, Gokana, Ikwerre, Khana, Obio/Akpor, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Ogu/Bolo, Okrika, Omuma, Opobo/Nkoro, Oyigbo, Port Harcourt City, and concluded the tour in Tai. The extensive outreach, which lasted over two weeks, enabled Wike to reconnect politically and socially with his people.
Throughout the tour, Wike received a warm and enthusiastic reception from traditional rulers, opinion leaders, community stakeholders, youths, women groups, politicians, and other public-spirited individuals. Many commended him for what they described as effective representation at the federal level, his political foresight, and his role in attracting development and federal presence to the state.
The minister was unequivocal in his support for President Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda, using the opportunity to mobilise Rivers people to sustain and reinforce their support ahead of the 2027 elections. Traditional rulers and community leaders, including long-standing political allies, openly pledged their continued loyalty and support.
In response, Wike assured Rivers people of his unwavering commitment, urging them to remain focused and not be distracted by what he described as political interlopers. He pledged to continue facilitating federal projects, appointments, and infrastructural development in the state.
Wike noted that the confidence reposed in him by Rivers people mirrored the trust and support they demonstrated during the 2023 general elections, urging them to consolidate those gains in the next electoral cycle.
Highlighting the achievements of the Tinubu administration, the minister cited significant investments in economic reform, agriculture, youth development, employment, technology, and the attraction of foreign direct investment, all aimed at repositioning Nigeria for sustainable growth.
While reaffirming his commitment to the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory and its area councils, Wike also reiterated his determination to contribute meaningfully to the continued development of Rivers State.
Ultimately, the tour challenged the long-held belief that a prophet cannot be honoured at home, as Wike’s reception across Rivers State illustrated the enduring bond between the minister and his people.
Written by Abubakar Yusuf
📧 [email protected]
