2027: Ogoni will reward Tinubu with votes for establishing Federal University — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said the Ogoni people of Rivers State will reward President Bola Tinubu with their votes in the 2027 general elections for establishing the Federal University of Environmental Technology and appointing indigenes of the area into key federal positions.

Wike spoke on Wednesday at a Rainbow Coalition town hall meeting with the people of Tai at Gbenegininwa Hall, Saakpenwa, in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.

He said the Federal University of Environmental Technology will become a major driver of employment, economic growth, and development across Ogoniland.

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

According to him, the university was the product of sustained legislative efforts by the late Senator Barry Mpigi, who worked tirelessly to secure federal approval for its establishment before his death.

“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.

He urged the community not to underestimate the institution’s potential, noting that its impact will become more visible as academic activities expand.

“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 noted that the institution would create direct and indirect jobs for youths and stimulate commercial activities, including housing, transportation, and retail trade.

At the meeting, Wike also welcomed political associates returning to the Rainbow Coalition following internal disagreements, describing their return as an opportunity to consolidate political cohesion.

“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,” he said.

He commended the local government chairman for spearheading reconciliation efforts and urged that returning members be accommodated equitably.

Wike challenged political leaders in Tai to deliver 70 per cent of the total votes cast for President Tinubu and candidates endorsed by the Rainbow Coalition in the upcoming general elections, clarifying that the benchmark applies to valid votes cast on election day, not registered voters.

He recalled that Tai has historically been among the earliest local government areas to deliver decisive electoral margins in the Rivers South-East Senatorial District, urging stakeholders to sustain the momentum.

Earlier, the Chairman of Tai Local Government Area and Rainbow Coalition Coordinator in the council, Mbakpone Okpe, disclosed that the local government plans to partner with Wike on a residential estate scheme to provide accommodation for students, faculty, and visitors to the university.

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Okpe said the council had already constructed the university’s main entrance gate and an internal dual carriageway spanning approximately one kilometre to complement the Federal Government’s investment.

He added that Tai recorded 4,568 collected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) during the first-quarter distribution exercise, while the council had earmarked N100 million to support the proposed mobilization and incentive initiative.

Okpe also stated that the council commits about N120 million monthly to a grassroots empowerment programme benefiting at least 3,400 residents.

The gathering also observed a moment of tribute for the late Senator Barry Mpigi, with Okpe commending Wike for funding and overseeing the funeral rites following the lawmaker’s passing in March 2026.