Nyesom Wike has declared that he remains a major force in the political structure of Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory, despite no longer serving as the state’s governor.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory made the statement on Wednesday while speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt.
Wike was asked whether the incumbent Rivers State governor now controls the state’s political structure.
However, he rejected the suggestion that occupying the governor’s office automatically determines political influence.
“You do not need to be governor before you can be in charge,” Wike said.
He then described himself as the “General Commander of the Political Infantry”, insisting that he remains in charge.
The former governor also extended his claim of political influence to the FCT.
According to Wike, his political position gives him a significant role in both Rivers State and the capital territory.
His comments are likely to attract fresh attention to the political balance in Rivers State, where questions over control and influence have remained a major issue.
For Wike, political power does not end when a person leaves the governor’s office. Instead, he argues that influence can survive beyond an elected position.
He also pointed to the importance of the FCT in national elections. Wike said the territory should be considered alongside the states when assessing electoral strength.
“I owe the president to give these two,” he said, referring to Rivers State and the FCT.
The statement comes as political actors continue to position themselves ahead of future elections.
Meanwhile, Wike’s remarks underline the continuing political significance of his relationship with Rivers State and the federal government.
Whether his influence will translate into electoral control remains a question for voters and political observers.
For now, Nyesom Wike has made his position clear: leaving the governor’s office, in his view, does not mean leaving the political battlefield.
