President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, have showered praises on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as he marked his 58th birthday on December 13, with the former Rivers governor declaring that he has no regrets openly supporting the APC-led Federal Government.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Wike as an “audacious top performer” whose public life has been defined by courage, purpose, and results-driven leadership.
The President commended Wike’s aggressive infrastructure renewal drive in Abuja, noting that the FCT minister has brought uncommon energy to the transformation of the nation’s capital. Tinubu particularly highlighted Wike’s role in resolving a 14-year stalemate over the construction of the Apo–Karshi Road, describing the intervention as a reflection of his “can-do attitude.”
“Nyesom Wike has been one of the shining stars in the cabinet an exceptional performer, developing infrastructure in the Federal Capital like never before and proving that his ‘Mr Project’ reputation extends beyond his home state of Rivers,” Tinubu said.
The President also praised Wike for actively championing the Renewed Hope Agenda despite belonging to a different political party, and wished him good health, renewed strength, and greater accomplishments in the years ahead.
At a special birthday gathering held in the early hours of Saturday at his Abuja residence, Wike reiterated that he has no regrets supporting President Tinubu since 2022, stressing that his position remained unchanged before, during, and after the 2023 presidential election.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the minister said his political choices are guided by character, integrity, equity, and fairness, adding that he never hid his support for Tinubu.
Wike recalled that he was the only prominent opposition figure who openly backed Tinubu during the election period, explaining that his decision was also informed by his belief in power rotation to the South. He cited the outcome of the elections in Rivers State as proof of his leadership influence, noting that while the APC won the presidential poll, the PDP secured victories in the governorship, National Assembly, State Assembly, and local government elections under his watch.
The birthday celebration drew political leaders across party lines, including National Assembly members from Rivers State, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, local government chairmen, and long-time political associates.
Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and former PDP chairman, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, described Wike as the “naked wire” of Rivers politics, saying his performance justified President Tinubu’s decision to work with him. Speaker Amaewhule pledged the continued loyalty of Rivers lawmakers, declaring that they would follow Wike’s political direction.
In his response, Wike thanked his supporters for standing by him throughout his political journey, saying criticism and attacks had only strengthened his resolve. He pledged continued collaboration with his political family in the interest of Rivers State and Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, in a goodwill message personally signed by him, described Wike as a leader whose commitment to public service continues to deliver visible and unprecedented results.
Governor Fubara said Wike’s performance as FCT Minister has attracted national attention, particularly for its impact on infrastructure development and service delivery in Abuja, adding that Rivers people are proud of his achievements. He wished the minister a fulfilling birthday celebration and continued success in service to the nation.
