PORTHARCOURT: Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has advised the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, King Ateke Tom, to refrain from involvement in partisan politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike, who noted that political activities would soon intensify in Rivers State, urged the monarch to allow politicians to conduct their affairs without interference, stressing that the traditional institution was not being invited into political engagements.
“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, particularly among youths, chiefs and women in Okrika.
Wike explained that his visit to the palace was solely to express appreciation to the monarch and the people of Okrika, describing it as his first visit to a traditional ruler’s palace for that purpose. He commended the king’s leadership, noting that it had brought sustained peace to the area.
“You hardly hear of crises here because of your leadership. Since you came, we have not heard of any crisis,” he said.
Earlier, while addressing residents at the Okrika council secretariat, Wike warned that any wrong political calculation in 2027 would amount to “political burial,” adding 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.
The minister also thanked the community for standing with his political camp during recent political crises and praised President Bola Tinubu for ensuring the conduct of local government elections, which he said corrected previous illegalities.
We took a risk in 2023 to support President Tinubu, and today we are benefiting from that decision,” Wike stated.
Looking ahead to 2027, he said his camp would only support candidates with proven character, stressing that the slogan “On your mandate, we stand” would not guarantee automatic tickets.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress, George Sekibo, pledged the continued support of the Ijaw people for Wike, while Okrika Local Government Chairman, Akuro Tobin, praised the minister’s leadership and infrastructural contributions to the area.
Deputy Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Linda Stewart, also expressed the support of Okrika women for Wike and his political team.
