Wike Says Rainbow Coalition Will Focus On Strongholds In Rivers

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said the emerging Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, ahead of the 2027 elections would shape its political strategy around areas where it commands electoral strength.

Speaking after an inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja ahead of the third anniversary of President Bola Tinubu, Wike said political actors involved in the coalition would assess prevailing realities before taking decisions.

“That is the essence of the rainbow coalition in Rivers State. We’ll look at where we have strength, compare notes and vote accordingly,” he said.

The minister also dismissed attempts to associate him with the issues surrounding the screening of aspirants in Rivers State by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that he had no role in the process.

“I am not a member of the APC, so I don’t know what is happening in their screening. Even if they publish the results, why would I comment? I don’t know the reasons they have,” Wike stated.

He maintained that he would not speculate on matters outside his political constituency.

“What pertains to me is what I will talk about, not what does not concern me. I am not a native doctor, neither am I a prophet,” he added.

On governance, the minister expressed satisfaction with the pace of ongoing infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory, noting that several projects scheduled for inauguration during Tinubu’s third anniversary celebrations were nearing completion.

According to him, contractors handling key road projects had assured the administration that outstanding works, including streetlights, would be completed before the end of May.

“We are very happy. They promised that before the end of the month they will finish the streetlights and that is being handled by Green Book and Lubrix,” he said.

Wike disclosed that the Dutse-Alhaji-to-M5 road project being handled by Lubrix was progressing steadily, while the road project executed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation had been completed except for the installation of streetlights.

“That road is already completed and the contractor, CCCC, has promised that within the next 10 days they will complete the streetlights. We are very comfortable and happy,” he stated.

The minister also expressed satisfaction with progress on another major bridge project in the capital city, noting that the bridge had already been launched while connecting roads were under construction.

“You can also see that it is almost completed. The bridge has been launched and they have started the connection that will direct traffic from here to Kubwa. It is a wonderful thing. We are happy,” he added.

Wike described the projects as evidence of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal in the FCT.

“Part of these projects fixed by Mr President will be inaugurated. Quality jobs done by very good contractors. We are happy. The excellence is there,” he said.

Reacting to complaints over alleged harassment by officials of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) during tax enforcement operations, the minister said tax compliance remained a challenge among many residents.

“There must be a civilised way of collecting taxes, but knowing our taxpayers, people don’t like to pay tax. When tax collectors come, they find one excuse or the other,” Wike said.

He, however, noted that no formal complaint had been lodged with the FCT Administration against AMAC officials.