Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT), says leadership is temporary and no individual holds power indefinitely.
Wike spoke during a “thank you” visit to Port Harcourt LGA of Rivers, where he addressed party leaders, traditional rulers, women, and youths from the council.
The minister has been visiting the 23 local government areas of the state to appreciate residents for their support in the 2023 elections and to mobilise backing for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.
Reflecting on leadership, Wike said authority does not last forever and that God does not permit anyone to rule perpetually.
“We should know that today I am a leader; tomorrow it will be your turn too. No one man can be a leader forever,” Wike said.
“It is not possible. God has never allowed that. So, everyone is saying Wike is our leader. As it is today, yes, but it can never be forever.”
The minister said the principle of succession requires leaders to recognise that others will eventually take their place.
“Man comes, man goes. When I said ‘man comes, man goes,’ people feared; as they are here now, they are afraid. What I mean by ‘man comes, man goes’ is that everybody has their own turn. When your time has come, you do whatever you can to the satisfaction of the people and according to the will of God,” he said.
Wike urged political actors to accept the temporary nature of leadership and to respect those who would succeed them.
“So, when you understand that a leader’s time will come, somebody will respect you too, and you should agree with all of them, don’t be looking for excuses because no one is perfect.
“A bad leader is one who is advised but remains reluctant to change. But a good leader is one who listens to his people.”
Wike also said Rivers is unique in its ability to bring together leaders from the two major political parties to work collectively.
He said the cooperation helped in producing the president during the last general election.
The remarks come amid ongoing impeachment proceedings by the Rivers State House Of Assembly against Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers State.
The lawmakers accused the governor of failing to present the 2026 budget and of alleged mismanagement of public funds.
Most members of the assembly are considered loyal to Wike, who has repeatedly criticised Fubara for abandoning a peace agreement reached before Tinubu lifted the emergency rule in the state.