Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, King Ateke Tom, to refrain from interfering in political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike said political engagements in the state would soon gather momentum and appealed to the traditional ruler to allow politicians to conduct their activities without involvement from the traditional institution.
“Allow us to play our politics. Don’t put your hand in it. We are not asking you to be involved; just allow us to play our game,” the minister said.
King Ateke Tom is widely regarded as an influential traditional ruler, with strong support among youths, chiefs, and women in the Okrika Local Government Area.
The minister explained that his visit to the monarch’s palace was purely to express appreciation for the support he had received from the Okrika people, noting that it was his first time visiting a traditional ruler for such a purpose.
“Okrika has supported me, and I felt it was necessary to come and say thank you,” Wike said, commending the monarch for providing stable leadership that had ensured sustained peace in the area.
“You hardly hear of crises here because of your leadership. Since you came, we have not heard of any crisis,” he added.
Earlier, while addressing the Okrika people at the local government council secretariat, Wike warned that any miscalculation ahead of the 2027 elections would amount to “political burial,” stressing his determination not to repeat past mistakes.
He described himself as an Ijaw man by affinity, citing his long-standing relationship with the Ijaw and Okrika people, and thanked the community for standing with his political camp during a recent crisis.
Wike also credited President Bola Tinubu for ensuring the conduct of local government elections in the state and for correcting what he described as previous illegalities.
“We took a risk in 2023 to support President Tinubu, and today we are benefiting from that decision,” he said.
Looking ahead to 2027, the minister said his political team would only support candidates of proven character, warning that the mistakes of 2023 must not be repeated. He added that the slogan, “On your mandate, we stand,” would not guarantee automatic tickets for any aspirant.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress, George Sekibo, pledged the continued support of the Ijaw people for Wike, praising him for appointments given to their kinsmen and thanking President Tinubu for his support.
Also speaking, Chairman of Okrika Local Government Area, Akuro Tobin, commended Wike’s leadership and developmental strides, particularly the ongoing construction of the Eleme–Onne section of the East–West Road, which he said had boosted economic activities in the area.
On behalf of the women, Deputy Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly and member representing Okrika Constituency, Linda Stewart, expressed support for Wike and offered prayers for the minister and his political team.
