Ibiyomie Claims Role In Wike’s Emergence As Rivers Governor

The founder of Salvation Ministries, David Ibiyeomie, has claimed he played a spiritual role in the emergence of Nyesom Wike as governor of Rivers State.

Speaking during a sermon at the church’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, the cleric said Wike approached him when he was facing legal challenges that threatened his governorship ambition.

In a video clip circulating online, Ibiyeomie recounted that Wike had lost at both the High Court and the Court of Appeal, and that a Supreme Court judgment was expected to go against him.

According to the pastor, he contacted Wike while he was in Israel and reassured him that the situation would change.

“I called him while I was in Israel. He was shaking, but I told him not to fear. I told him that God would step in and he said, ‘Papa I believe you,’” Ibiyeomie said.

He added that at the time Wike belonged to the opposition while the ruling party was in power, and the church was holding its “Five Nights of Glory” programme.

The cleric said Wike met him shortly after the programme, days before the expected Supreme Court ruling.

“I told him that even if the judgment is against you, I command it turned,” he said, adding that the outcome eventually went in Wike’s favour.

Ibiyeomie further claimed he was the only cleric invited to Wike’s thanksgiving service after the victory.

The pastor also alleged that Wike sought his prayers again during his re-election bid when his chances of victory appeared slim.

According to him, he made a personal covenant with God and gave money as an offering on Wike’s behalf without informing the politician.

“I said, ‘Lord, not for his sake but for my sake,’” he said, adding that the election eventually turned in Wike’s favour.

Wike, who served as governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, is currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.