- Adams Oshiomhole commended Nyesom Wike for supporting him during political isolation after leaving leadership of the All Progressives Congress
- Oshiomhole highlighted Wike’s willingness to support political opponents, stressing that such gestures helped restore his morale during a difficult period
- He also acknowledged the positive relationship between Wike and political leaders in Edo State
Former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, for supporting him during a difficult political period following his removal as national chairman of the All Progressives Congress.
Speaking in Benin City during the handover of 54 construction equipment to the 18 local government areas of Edo State on Monday, February 23, Oshiomhole reflected on the challenges that followed his exit from party leadership.
He noted that many party members distanced themselves from him after his dismissal.
“After I was dismissed as APC National Chairman, I became lonely, abandoned by my own party. People were afraid to visit me then because it could be termed anti-party,” Oshiomhole said.
He revealed that Wike reached out when others avoided him.
“But I got a call from a rare Nigerian who identifies with those who are lonely, and he invited me to Port Harcourt to commission a flyover. Can you imagine? And that was not enough, this minister honoured me with the highest honour of Rivers State,” he stated, referring to Rivers State.
Oshiomhole also recalled that Wike once joked about celebrating his political misfortunes but later provided encouragement.
“So, if I dey do yanga, it’s because I have a minister that can identify with me when I was removed from my job,” he said.
He commended Wike’s leadership and development efforts, particularly in the recent local government elections in the Federal Capital Territory, where Wike’s party placed second.
“If anybody was in doubt, he did the one that yesterday when his party came second after APC. To take second after APC, no issue. Particularly where some people did not over 100,” Oshiomhole remarked.
He further described Wike as a pioneering leader from the South-South who has reshaped urban development in Abuja.
“He is the first person from our geopolitical zone, South South, to go to Abuja as a city minister and minister in a way that has refined and redefined the concept of development,” he said.
Oshiomhole also appreciated the relationship between Wike and Edo leaders.
“I want to congratulate you. And I want to thank our governor for sustaining the friendship with the Minister of FCT,” he added, highlighting cooperation between the two administrations.