By Pius Awunah
President Bola Tinubu has extolled the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),Mr.Nyesom Wike, on his 58th birthday, describing him as one of the shining stars in his cabinet.
In a statement signed by presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, December 12, 2025, President Tinubu congratulated Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, on the occasion of his birthday, praising his courage, resilience, and commitment to service.
The President thanked God for Wike’s life, saying it has been defined by purpose, service, and courage.
He described the FCT Minister as an audacious leader who consistently delivers results despite challenges.
Tinubu highlighted the ongoing transformation of Abuja under Wike’s leadership, particularly his role in breaking the 14-year deadlock surrounding the construction of the Apo–Karshi road.
He noted that Wike’s performance has further justified his long-held reputation as “Mr. Project,” stressing that the title is no longer limited to his home state of Rivers.
“Nyesom Wike has been one of the shining stars in the cabinet, an exceptional performer, developing infrastructure in the federal capital as never seen before and proving that his moniker as ‘Mr. Project’ is not limited to his home state of Rivers.
“I commend him for being one of the champions of our Renewed Hope Agenda, though he belongs to another party.I wish him well as he marks another year in his life’s journey”,the statement added.
The President thanked the Minister for his consistent efforts in improving infrastructure and governance in the FCT and wished him good health and strength to continue his work.
Meanwhile,the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),Mr. Nyesom Wike has said that he has no regrets openly supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since 2022, stressing that his position has remained consistent before, during and after the 2023 presidential election.
Speaking at a special event organised to mark his 58th birthday anniversary on Saturday, December 13,2025, the minister stated that his political decisions are guided by the principles of character and integrity, adding that he never concealed his support for President Tinubu from the beginning.
He recalled that during the build-up to the 2023 presidential election, he was the only leading figure from the main opposition party, who openly declared support for President Tinubu, a decision he said was based on equity, fairness and justice, as well as his conviction that power should shift to the South.
Wike argued that his leadership capacity was demonstrated in Rivers State during the elections, where the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the presidential poll, while the PDP secured victories in the National Assembly, governorship, State House of Assembly and local government elections under his watch.
The birthday celebration, which took place in his Abuja residence in the early hours of Saturday, brought together leaders from different political divides to celebrate the achievements and political impact of the former Rivers State Governor and current FCT Minister.
In attendance were National Assembly lawmakers from Rivers State, serving and former members, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, chairmen of local government areas, as well as close friends and political associates.
Speakers took turns to extol the virtues of the minister, describing him as an achiever and astute politician whose impacts were visible across the country, urging him not to relent and assuring him of their continued support.
Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, described the FCT Minister as the “naked wire” of Rivers politics.
Akawor, who is the ex-Director-General of Nyesom Wike’s 2015 governorship campaign, and a one-time Minister of State for FCT, said Wike’s feat had shown that President Bola Tinubu picked the right product from the PDP to work with.
Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, who led 27 members of the House of Assembly to Wike’s residence, thanked the minister for being a leader with a strong shoulder for everyone to lean on.
He promised the continued loyalty and support of the Assembly members to him, saying; “Wherever our leader (Wike) goes, we will follow him. Whoever he is supporting, we will also support.”
Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government and River State Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Allwell Ihunda, who spoke on behalf of Local Government Chairmen, extolled Wike’s virtues, describing as a consistent and compassionate leader.
Others who spoke were Chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, Mohammed Abdulrahman, PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, PDP National Vice Chairman (South South), Chief Dan Orbih, his All Progressives Congress counterpart, Hon Victor Giadom, former Governor of Abia State, Dr Okieze Ikpiazu, Senator (Prof) Sandy Onor, Senator Magnus Abe, Senator George Sekibo, Senator Bari Mpigi, and others.
In his response, the Minister thanked his political family and associates for standing solidly behind him, acknowledging the role they have played in shaping his leadership journey.
He said he remained fulfilled working with his people and pledged to continue collaborating closely with them in the interest of the people of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
