The immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has strongly denied the speculations circulating that he has been offered a ministerial appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In a media chat held in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Wike made it clear that President Tinubu has not reached out to him or engaged in any discussions regarding his administration. He dismissed the lists being circulated and emphasized that it is not his concern. Wike stated, "Mr President has not called me one day to say look this is what I want you to do, for me to say yes or no. But, you see people churning out lists. I'm sure this week another list will come out."
There have been ongoing speculations on social media suggesting that Wike might have been granted a ministerial appointment by President Tinubu. Many political enthusiasts perceive this as Wike's final attempt to secure a position within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state and maintain his political relevance after his unsuccessful bids for the presidential and vice presidential tickets of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
During the 2023 presidential election, Wike openly supported Tinubu, the APC's presidential candidate, expressing his belief that power should be restored to the South. He advocated for a Southern candidate, be it Tinubu or Peter Obi, to become the next President in the spirit of equity.
Regarding the removal of fuel subsidies, Wike praised the President's bravery in ending the subsidy regime, stating that this decision sets him apart as a determined and prepared leader.
Addressing the 10th National Assembly's leadership, Wike warned that President Tinubu's administration would face destabilization and that Nigerians would suffer if influential figures in the race rejected Tinubu's choices for the positions of Senate President and House Speaker. He stressed the importance of the Senate presidency going to the South-South region, as it has only had one Senate president from that region since 1979, while the South-East has produced over seven.
Wike also expressed concern about the perceived favoritism towards Godswill Akpabio within the APC and the President's administration. He emphasized the need for a smooth relationship between the executive and legislative branches to prevent any hindrance to the progress of the administration. Wike urged everyone to work together for the betterment of all Nigerians, taking into account the previous complications arising from the emergence of Bukola Saraki as Senate President during the previous administration.
