…denies ordering boycott of Bonny/Bodo road commissioning
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that there will not be a repeat of what he described as past political mistakes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike made the statement on Tuesday during a visit to Khana Local Government Area of the state, indicating that political mobilisation would commence as early as January 2026.
The former Rivers State governor cautioned residents to be mindful of their political choices, warning that poor decisions could have lasting consequences.
“We will not make mistakes again. The first mistake you made, have they shown appreciation? If another mistake is made, then you will be pushed aside,” Wike said.
Although he did not mention any individual by name, his comments were widely interpreted as a reference to the ongoing political crisis involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Fubara, who assumed office in 2023 after succeeding Wike, has since overseen a deeply divided political environment in Rivers State.
His administration has been rocked by a prolonged power struggle over the control of the state’s political structure.
The crisis later escalated into a constitutional dispute that resulted in the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of the governor.
He also dismissed claims that he instructed stakeholders to boycott the commissioning of the Bonny/Bodo Road by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi.
Speaking during a Christmas visit to his supporters in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State on Tuesday, Wike said he was unaware of the commissioning, which took place earlier in December 2025.
On the same day, he was attending the burial of the sister of Senator Allwell Onyeso, along with several other political leaders, many of whom were also reportedly unaware of the Federal Government delegation’s visit.
Wike clarified that once he received information about the event, he directed stakeholders across the Ogoni region to attend. He described the allegations as politically motivated, asserting that spreading falsehoods would not secure anyone a governorship ticket.
“Some people play politics with everything. I hear people say I told some leaders not to come when the delegation from the Federal Government came. That’s a lie from the pit of hell,” Wike said.
He added that he was not formally invited to the commissioning.
The event was attended by notable political figures from the region, including APC South-South Vice Chairman Victor Giadom and Senator Magnus Abe.
In the same vein, the Minister praised President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to the Ogoni ethnic group, citing several development initiatives aimed at improving the region.
Highlighting the administration’s impact, Wike pointed to the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET) at Koroma, Saakpenwa in Tai Local Government Area—a long-standing demand of the Ogoni people.
He also noted the construction of the road linking Ogoniland to Bonny Island as a key infrastructure project benefiting the region.
“During the turbulent period, Khana stood with us and now you have benefited, from good roads to University of Environment among other benefits because of the love of Mr President. So many appointments have come to Ogoniland and more are coming,” he stated.
Wike further commended President Tinubu’s decision to honour and pardon the Ogoni four martyrs, describing it as a meaningful act of reconciliation.
He added that Ogoni people have secured several federal appointments under the current administration, and assured that more opportunities would follow.