Wike: Ogoni people’ll reward Tinubu with votes in 2027 over varsity approval

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says the people of Ogoni in Rivers State will reward President Bola Tinubu with their votes in the 2027 general election for giving them a Federal University of Environment and Technology and appointing their sons and daughters into key federal positions.

Wike said the Federal University of Environment Technology will become a major driver of employment, economic growth and development in the Ogoni area.

The minister said this at a Rainbow Coalition town hall meeting with the people of Tai at Gbenegininwa Hall, Saakpenwa, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

He urged residents to appreciate the long-term benefits of the institution, describing its establishment as a significant achievement that could transform the fortunes of the area.

Wike, a former two-term governor of Rivers State, said the university was the product of sustained efforts by the late Senator Barry Mpigi, who worked to secure federal approval for its establishment before his death.

According to Wike, the process of establishing a federal university requires extensive legislative and executive procedures, making the institution a major opportunity for the people of Tai and the wider Ogoni community.

“If you don’t know what it is, even me as a minister, it would be difficult to go through the National Assembly. The National Assembly will pass it; it will now go to the President. Sometimes, the bill will stay there for years,” Wike said.

The minister urged the people not to underestimate the institution’s potential, noting that its benefits would become more evident as it expanded its academic programmes and operations.

“You don’t know what you have because the university just started. By the time this university stays four years, five years, then you will know the development,” he said.

Wike added that the institution would create employment opportunities for young people and generate economic activities that would benefit residents and businesses in the host community.

He said the university’s presence would provide opportunities for qualified indigenes to secure jobs while stimulating demand for accommodation, transportation, trade and other services.

At the town hall meeting, Wike also welcomed political associates who had returned to the Rainbow Coalition after disagreements, describing their reunion as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation among leaders and supporters.

Wike said the group had not broken into separate political parties, adding that the disagreements that arose among members should not prevent them from working together.

“Let me first of all welcome my brothers. They didn’t go anywhere. There was no fight, they didn’t go to any other party, the same party, but there was a small fight and so we’ve all come back together to work as a team,” the minister stated.

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Wike commended the local government chairman for his commitment to reconciliation and urged the leadership to ensure that returning members were treated fairly.

He said the reintegration process should be genuine and inclusive, stressing that political differences should not be allowed to undermine the group’s cohesion.

Wike said the meeting was also intended to enable political stakeholders to assess their options and consider what would best serve the interests of Tai, Ogoni and the Rivers South-East Senatorial District.

Wike urged residents to examine the records of political leaders seeking their support rather than rely solely on campaign promises.

The minister questioned what some political figures had done for the area while occupying public offices, arguing that voters should assess their contributions to the development of Rivers State and the country.

Wike also challenged political leaders in Tai to meet a proposed target of securing 70 per cent of votes for Tinubu and other candidates supported by the Rainbow Coalition in the forthcoming elections.

The minister’s remarks came as the Tai Local Government Council disclosed plans to partner with him on an estate project intended to provide accommodation for students, parents and visitors to the institution.

The Council Chairman and Rainbow Coalition Coordinator in Tai, Mbakpone Okpe, said the necessary processes had been concluded, with developers expected to sign an agreement ahead of the project’s commencement.

Okpe also disclosed that the council had constructed the university’s entrance gate and an approximately one-kilometre dual carriageway within the premises to complement the Federal Government’s investment.

The local government chairman had earlier told the gathering that Tai recorded 4,568 collected Permanent Voter Cards during the first-quarter distribution exercise.

Okpe said the coalition was working to integrate former members and mobilise supporters across the local government’s 10 wards.

Okpe added the council had set aside N100 million in an account in preparation for the proposed incentive scheme.