Wike made the appeal on Monday during a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he called on residents to support Tinubu and candidates endorsed by the political alliance.
The minister cited the removal of the petrol subsidy as an example of what he described as difficult but necessary decisions, arguing that the policy had increased allocations to state and local governments and provided additional resources for development projects.
“We know what Nigerians are going through, but we are sure that things will get better. Most importantly, we know what this country was like before now,” Wike said.
Acknowledging the economic hardship associated with the reforms, he maintained that leadership sometimes required taking unpopular decisions in pursuit of long-term objectives. He argued that the former subsidy regime placed significant pressure on government finances, limiting the capacity of governments to meet obligations to workers, pensioners and public institutions.
Wike expressed optimism that economic conditions would improve, while urging Nigerians to exercise patience as the government’s policies continue to take effect.
Wike Defends Difficult Decisions
Drawing from his tenure as Rivers State governor, Wike recalled his administration’s decision to proceed with major flyover projects despite criticism, temporary disruption to businesses and traffic difficulties.
He said the experience demonstrated the need for leaders to accept short-term inconveniences when pursuing development projects intended to deliver longer-term benefits.
The minister also urged voters to examine the records of politicians seeking public office and warned against entrusting the country’s future to individuals he described as political gamblers.
“Don’t carry your destiny to political gamblers,” he said.
Wike attributed some political choices during the 2023 elections to inadequate information and propaganda, urging Rivers residents to assess political claims carefully ahead of the next general election.
Wike Explains Rainbow Coalition Alliance
The former Rivers governor also defended the Rainbow Coalition, which he described as an alliance involving members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political parties.
According to Wike, the coalition was established to promote peace, unity and development in Rivers State, with members agreeing to support candidates contesting on the APC platform in the 2027 elections.
Wike, who identified himself as a PDP national leader, urged coalition members to work together in support of Tinubu’s re-election bid and the alliance’s preferred candidates for governorship, legislative and other elective offices.
“We don’t want Rivers of blood. We don’t want rivers of shooting. The two main political parties in this state are APC and PDP. They have joined together with other political parties to say, ‘Let there be peace in Rivers State, let there be development and unity,’” he said.
He stressed that cooperation between the Federal Government, the Rivers State Government and elected representatives was important to advancing the state’s development priorities.
Describing Eleme as economically strategic to Nigeria, Wike urged residents to use their votes responsibly and support political arrangements he said would promote stability and development.
The town hall meeting was attended by political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths and representatives of parties participating in the Rainbow Coalition.
