Wike Holds Out Olive Branch In Rivers, Unveils 31-day FCT Project Inauguration Programme

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has held out  an olive branch to his political opponents in Rivers State, declaring what he described as a broad political amnesty.

He urged ehis stranged allies to return and work together for the state’s development.

Wike spoke on Saturday at a luncheon organised by the Rainbow Coalition for candidates participating in the forthcoming elections in Rivers State, where he combined a call for political reconciliation with a defence of his administration’s performance in the FCT.

The former Rivers State governor announced that he had forgiven his political adversaries and invited them to set aside past disagreements in the interest of unity and progress.

“I have forgiven everybody,” Wike declared, adding that prolonged political hostilities had become counterproductive and should give way to cooperation.

“I want you to come back home sincerely. We have played politics, we have abused ourselves; this is the right time for you to come back,” he said.

The minister appealed to politicians who had fallen out with his political camp to reconnect with stakeholders and help rebuild relationships that had been strained by years of political rivalry.

According to him, Rivers State stands to benefit more from unity than from continued political divisions.

Wike also used the occasion to highlight ongoing development efforts in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), revealing plans for a month-long commissioning of infrastructure projects across Abuja as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration marks another anniversary in office.

He disclosed that the FCT Administration would embark on a 31-day programme of project inaugurations, covering major road networks, public facilities and urban renewal initiatives undertaken under his leadership.

The minister attributed the achievements to the support of President Tinubu and the administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure and public services in the nation’s capital.

“This third year of Mr. President alone, we are taking 31 days for commissioning of projects in Abuja. I am not talking about boreholes. I challenge anybody,” Wike said.

He maintained that the scale and quality of projects being delivered in the FCT reflected purposeful governance and effective leadership.

On the political situation in Rivers State, Wike reaffirmed confidence in the strength of the Rainbow Coalition, describing it as a formidable alliance capable of shaping the state’s political future.

He warned against attempts by external forces to create instability in Rivers State, insisting that residents would resist any effort to undermine the state’s interests.

“Anybody from another state who is trying to destroy Rivers State, the person will have problems. You put your hand, you get fire,” he stated.

The FCT minister also expressed confidence in the coalition’s electoral prospects, arguing that its political structure remained solid and well-positioned for future contests.

According to him, the coalition has built a strong grassroots presence that would be difficult for opponents to dislodge.

“If you are talking about governorship election in this state, forget it. If you are thinking that any miracle will happen to overturn what we have built, it is not possible,” he said.

Despite his confidence in the coalition’s political strength, Wike reiterated his willingness to accommodate returning politicians, stressing that the alliance remained open to all who were prepared to work sincerely for the advancement of Rivers State.

“We will take you back and work with everybody. We are not selfish,” he added.

The minister concluded by assuring supporters that the Rainbow Coalition remained united and focused, despite political challenges facing major parties across the country.

He said the coalition would continue to promote stability, development and inclusive politics in Rivers State while positioning itself for future electoral success.