Two groups, the Niger Delta Youth Coalition for Peace and Progress (NDYCPP) and the Niger Delta Leaders Without Borders (NDLWB), have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to hold the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, tight, describing him as a dependable ally.
The groups, in a joint statement made available to LEADERSHIP in Port Harcourt yesterday, said from their own assessment of all the appointees serving in the Tinubu cabinet, Wike towered above all, notwithstanding his numerous political fights, both from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his home-state, Rivers.
The statement, which was signed by NDYCPP national president, Pastor Teidor Jude Olayinka, as well as NDLWB national conveners, Mr George Mogbitse and Mr Owunano Harry, called on leaders and political watchers from the South-South geopolitical zone to rally round the former Rivers State Governor to enable him do more for the country.
The statement reads in part: “Youth leaders across ethnic divides in the Niger Delta have unanimously thrown their support and solidarity behind the workaholic Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory; Barr. E.N. Wike for his focused and impressive leadership strides: despite all the reckless mischievous political catcalls and wild denigrating tantrums cast at him by his ubiquitous detractors.
“We have taken our time to assess the Tinubu Cabinet from when it was constituted till date and come to the unequivocal assertion that Wike towered above all, notwithstanding his numerous political fights, both from the PDP and his home state, Rivers State.
“Wike is a very detribalized person; he is someone who goes for competence and just like Mr president, he always meticulously engages people who have the capacity to deliver on given assignments, no matter where they are from.
“Wike’s avid commitment in spreading the dividends of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President can be attested to, even by his die-hard critics. The speed with which he is carrying out projects and programmes in the FCT that is touching the lives of the people positively is clear, even for the blind to see. He is a proven political ally of Mr. President and a shining light in his cabinet.
“He is bringing out components of the Abuja Master plan that were hitherto unknown to the public and as well implementing them accordingly. He is very courageous and astute in building political bridges across party lines effectively. He is a known voice in our national democratic discourse.
“He has helped to influence the appointment and employment of a lot of qualified Niger Delta Sons and Daughters into very sensitive positions of responsibility; respective of tribe, creed and political cleavages. We enjoin leaders and political watchers everywhere, particularly those from the South-South to rally their support to him to enable him do more for the country.”
