Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said the people of Ogoni in Rivers State will reward President Bola Tinubu with their votes in the 2027 general elections for establishing the Federal University of Environment and Technology and appointing indigenes of the area to key federal positions.
Wike stated this yesterday at a Rainbow Coalition Town Hall meeting with residents of Tai local government area, held at Gbenegininwa Hall, Saakpenwa.
He said the establishment of the university would have far-reaching economic and developmental benefits for Ogoni, particularly through job creation, increased business activities and opportunities for young people.
The minister urged the people not to underestimate the significance of the institution, saying its impact would become more visible as it expands its 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 said the university was the result of sustained efforts by the late Senator Barry Mpigi, who worked to secure federal approval for its establishment before his death.
He explained that establishing a federal university involved legislative and executive procedures, describing the institution as a major achievement for 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,” he said.
According to him, the university would create employment opportunities for qualified indigenes while stimulating demand for accommodation, transportation, trade and other services in the host community.
Wike also used the occasion to welcome political associates who had returned to the Rainbow Coalition after disagreements, saying their return would strengthen the group’s unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
“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 urged the coalition’s leadership to ensure that the reconciliation process was genuine and inclusive, stressing that past political differences should not be allowed to undermine the group’s unity.
Wike challenged political leaders in Tai to deliver at least 70 per cent of the votes cast in the local government for Tinubu and other candidates backed by the Rainbow Coalition in the 2027 elections.
He clarified that the target referred to 70 per cent of the votes actually cast, not 70 per cent of registered voters.
The minister recalled that Tai had traditionally been among the first local governments to submit its election results in the Rivers South-East Senatorial District, urging the area to maintain the tradition.
He also said additional support could be considered if the local government achieved the proposed electoral target.
Wike further urged residents to assess political leaders based on their records and contributions to the development of the area rather than on campaign promises.
Meanwhile, the Tai Local Government Council has disclosed plans to partner with Wike on an estate project to provide accommodation for students, parents and visitors to the Federal University of Environment and Technology.
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 before the project commenced.
Okpe also disclosed that the council had constructed the university’s entrance gate and an approximately one-kilometre dual carriageway within the institution’s premises to complement the Federal Government’s investment.
He said Tai recorded 4,568 collected Permanent Voter Cards during the first-quarter distribution exercise, adding that the coalition was mobilising supporters across the local government’s 10 wards.
The chairman said the council had also set aside N100 million in an account in preparation for the proposed electoral incentive scheme.
Okpe used the occasion to pay tribute to the late Senator Barry Mpigi and commended Wike for his support following the senator’s death in March 2026.
He said the minister took responsibility for the burial arrangements, thereby easing the burden on the deceased’s family and the community.
Okpe further disclosed that his administration spends about N120 million monthly on an empowerment programme benefiting at least 3,400 people.
He said the council would continue to support the development of the university and implement additional projects aimed at improving infrastructure and living conditions across Tai.