A former senator from Rivers State, Magnus Abe, has openly declared the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as President Bola Tinubu’s main political figure in Rivers State.
He said Wike stands as the “001 of President Bola Tinubu’s political family in Rivers State.”
Abe made it clear that anyone claiming loyalty to President Tinubu cannot be in political opposition to Wike.
According to him, such a position would be contradictory, given Wike’s role in the President’s political success in the state.
The former lawmaker spoke while appreciating President Tinubu for appointing him as Chairman of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
His statement has drawn attention, especially amid the lingering political tension between Wike and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
In a message shared on his official Facebook page on Tuesday, Abe credited Wike with securing Rivers State for Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress during the 2023 general elections.
He described the outcome as historic and unlike anything seen before in the state’s political history.
He stressed that loyalty must be acknowledged, noting that political victories do not happen by chance. Abe said, “No one can claim to love Mr President and be ungrateful to our ‘Mr Project,’ whose support at a critical point was pivotal to our success.”
Abe praised Tinubu as a leader who values loyalty, hard work, and competence. He reaffirmed his personal commitment to the President and also expressed appreciation to Wike, whom he fondly called “our Nyerishi,” a local term of respect.
He further urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive of the Tinubu administration.
According to him, the government’s reform policies may be tough, but early signs suggest the country is moving in the right direction
Abe has remained a strong political voice in Rivers State for years. Since the 2023 elections, he has drawn closer to Wike’s political camp, a development that comes as the rift between the FCT minister and Governor Fubara continues to widen.