The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged leaders and residents of Rivers State to embrace unity as a catalyst for sustainable growth and development.

Wike made the call on Friday during his ongoing “thank you” tour of Andoni Local Government Area, where he said cooperation among leaders had been central to the progress recorded in the area.

His appeal comes amid a renewed political rift with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and moves aimed at blocking the governor’s re-election.

Addressing the gathering, Wike stressed that sustained collaboration at both the local and state levels would guarantee increased dividends of democracy, urging the people of Andoni to remain united.

He disclosed that political actors in Rivers State were currently aligned under what he described as a “Rainbow Coalition” within the Renewed Hope Family, working to secure the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

“We don’t have party allegiance in Rivers. What we have is a Rainbow Coalition under the Renewed Hope Family, pursuing a common cause and interest,” Wike said.

Reflecting on the 2023 general election, the former governor said the people’s support for Tinubu had begun to yield results. He urged them to repeat the gesture in 2027, adding that decisions on local politics would be taken at the appropriate time “to correct the mistake made in 2023.”

The lawmaker representing Andoni in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Ofiks Kagbang, praised Wike’s contributions to the constituency and pledged the people’s loyalty to his political leadership ahead of 2027.

“I am an Ijaw son, and I want to assure you that the Ijaw people are grateful. The one in Government House is a mistake, and that mistake will be corrected when the time comes,” Kagbang said.

Earlier, the Chairman of Andoni Local Government Council, Prince Otuo, said Wike had successfully united party leaders in the area to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s second-term bid.

Otuo also commended the minister for the support, employment opportunities and development projects attracted to Andoni during his tenure as governor of Rivers State.