Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has cautioned the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, King Ateke Tom, against involvement in political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike, who noted that political engagements would soon intensify in Rivers State, urged the monarch to allow politicians to conduct their affairs without interference, stressing that no role was being sought from traditional institutions.
“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 a highly influential traditional ruler, especially among youths, chiefs, and women in Okrika.
Wike explained that his visit to the monarch was purely to express gratitude, describing it as his first time visiting a traditional ruler’s palace for such a purpose. According to him, the Okrika people had consistently supported him politically.
“Okrika has supported me, and I felt it was important to come and say thank you,” he said, praising the monarch for sustaining peace in the area. “Since you came, we have hardly heard of any crisis here.”
Earlier, while addressing residents at the Okrika Local Government Secretariat, Wike warned that any political misstep ahead of the 2027 elections would amount to “political burial,” insisting that he was determined 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. He also thanked the community for standing by his political camp during the recent political crisis in Rivers State.
The minister commended President Bola Tinubu for ensuring the conduct of local government elections in the state, which he said corrected earlier irregularities.
“We took a risk in 2023 by supporting President Tinubu, and today we are benefiting from that decision,” Wike stated.
Looking ahead to 2027, Wike said his political team would support only candidates with proven character, stressing that the slogan ‘On your mandate, we stand’ would not automatically guarantee tickets for anyone.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress, George Sekibo, pledged the continued support of the Ijaw people for Wike, applauding him for appointments given to their kinsmen and thanking President Tinubu for his backing.
Chairman of Okrika Local Government Area, Akuro Tobin, praised Wike’s leadership and developmental efforts, 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 lawmaker representing Okrika Constituency, Linda Stewart, expressed support for Wike and offered prayers for his political journey.
