FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has questioned the political legacy of a former Rivers State leader who spent 24 years in top government positions, challenging residents of Evo Kingdom to identify tangible projects and political empowerment brought to the area during that period.
Speaking at an interactive session with leaders and stakeholders of Evo Kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Wike said leadership should be measured not only by positions held but also by the people empowered and the institutions and projects left behind.
He said some politicians become unwilling to support the emergence of new leaders after attaining political power themselves.
“Someone was Speaker of the House of Assembly for eight years, Governor for eight years, and Minister for eight years—that is 24 years in top leadership positions! What can anybody point to that he attracted to Evo Kingdom or Rivers State in all those 24 years? Nothing! Not one single thing!” Wike said.
The minister contrasted this with his own record, saying he could identify projects he attracted to Rivers State during his time as Minister of State for Education.
He also said he no longer has personal political ambitions, having served as governor and minister, adding that his priority is to contribute to the development of his people and support sustainable leadership.
“After all, what do I want that God has not given to me? Nothing! Nothing! Nothing! The only thing I ask from God today is to continue to give me long life,” he said.
Wike further warned against building political structures around individuals, arguing that leadership should produce successors capable of continuing existing programmes after a leader leaves office.
“What leadership, as you are leaving, what’s the leadership you have kept behind to continue with where you have stopped?” he asked.
The FCT Minister also reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu and said he remained committed to building a leadership structure based on continuity rather than personal control.
Political leaders and traditional rulers at the meeting, including Eze Temple Ejekwu and President of the Evo Assembly, Elder Peter Chinwo, expressed support for Wike and assured him of their backing for President Tinubu and other candidates endorsed by the Rainbow Coalition.
Wike challenges 24-year political legacy of former Rivers leader