• Says the ‘battle’ has ended
By Stanley Onyekwere
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that leaders and other Nigerians irrespective of the political affiliations, owe it a duty to continue to support President Bola Tinubu to govern the country, for the benefit of all and sundry.
Asserting this position while reacting to the judgment of the Supreme Court that affirmed the election of Tinubu, Wike expressed gratitude that “the battle has ended to the glory of God.”
He made the declaration yestetday in Abuja when he played host to leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Rivers state, led by the National Vice Chairman, South South, Victor Giadom, who were on a congratulatory visit to him.
Stressing the need for inclusivity in governance, the Minister that noted that as members of the Nigerian-state, it is important for everyone to also understand that the Nigerian-state doesn’t belong to any particular person or group.
According to him, “Mr. President having emerged is not the President of APC, he is the President of Nigeria, and while he is governing Nigeria, he must also take the interest of his political party, and nobody can stop it, as it is natural. But every Nigerian must benefit from governance.
“We owe it a duty to continue to support Mr. President, irrespective of the political party we belong. It is not hidden of my position, and I owe nobody any apologies- I stand for equity, fairness and justice. I thank God that the battle has ended to the glory of God. It is important for all of us to also understand that the Nigerian-state doesn’t belong to any particular person or group. For a country of this nature, if A takes, the next opportunity should go to B, it is inclusivity, so I’m not going to discriminate.
“I’m here for Nigerians, those who are members of political parties and those who are not members of any political party. Mr. President having emerged is not the President of APC, he is the President of Nigeria. Party is a vehicle that takes you to a place but, once you get to where you are going to, you come out from the vehicle.
“While he is governing Nigeria, he must also take the interest of his political party, and nobody can stop it, as it is natural. But every Nigerian must benefit from governance.”
He continued:” I’m not a member of APC but, I believe that the support for Asiwaju (Tinubu) is necessary.He has the capacity and political will to take action, and he started showing that love for Rivers state.
“Be assured that all of us are working together for President Bola Tinubu. I am sure in the next election, those who scored 2,000 would not get 50 votes again because we have nothing to give anybody again because our votes would go for President Bola Tinubu.”
Earlier, Giadom had praised Wike for his decision to support the president and begged him to carry members of the Rivers APC along.
He said they have no doubt in Wike’s capacity to deliver on the mandate of his office and to protect Rivers interests as well as to promote national unity
“This is a representative delegation of the APC in Rivers state. We are here to congratulate you on your appointment and thank you for the monumental support you gave our presidential candidate in the last election and urge you to continue to support and work towards the success of the Administration and Nigeria”, he stated.