Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has clarified that his journey to becoming the Governor of Rivers State was a result of his hard work and determination, not a gift from political leaders.

Speaking at a civic reception in Port Harcourt for politicians loyal to him, Wike addressed claims that certain leaders made him governor. He acknowledged receiving support but insisted that he fought for his political position. He also compared his efforts to those of the current Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, whom he claims to have supported into power.

This conversation reignited after old videos resurfaced online. In the videos, former First Lady Patience Jonathan was seen introducing Wike to political leaders in Rivers State, including former Governor Peter Odili, as a preferred candidate. The footage stirred debates amid ongoing tensions between Wike, Odili, and Fubara.

Wike expressed disappointment in Odili’s public endorsement of Fubara, accusing him of taking sides instead of acting as a neutral elder statesman. “Nobody made me Governor. In 2014, I fought for the party structure. I took it from Magnus Abe and others. Yes, people supported me, but it wasn’t handed to me,” Wike said.

While Wike acknowledged the roles of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Patience Jonathan, and Peter Odili in his rise to power, he maintained that his own persistence and efforts were the key to his success.

This statement highlights the heated political dynamics in Rivers State, with Wike defending his legacy and asserting his role in shaping the state’s leadership.