Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has pledged to stand by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, amid ongoing challenges.
Wike made this commitment known on Sunday during Anyanwu's 60th birthday celebration in Abuja, where he praised Anyanwu's strong character and integrity.
Wike advised Anyanwu not to beg or honor invitations from those who opposed him, emphasizing that if they want anything, they should be the ones reaching out.
The minister stressed that a person's character is what truly defines them, not their wealth or material possessions. The birthday celebration included the presentation of a book titled "Sam Daddy In My Eyes," highlighting Anyanwu's life and achievements.
The minister said he had always told people to try and show where they stood, and recalled advising Anyanwu to stand firm on the PDP’s Secretaryship tussle because some people were not straightforward.
“Some people were going right, they were going left, they were going front and they were going backwards. What they said in the morning, what they said in the afternoon, was it what they would say in the night?
“So, I warned him, if you know you will not stand firm, say it now. I also asked him, are you sure you can stand this fight? A fight where virtually everybody, including governors are fighting you, will not be easy but if you stand firm you will win.
“However, if you begin to go left and you go right, not only will you lose, you will suffer and he assured me that he would stand firm and will not change,” he said.
The minister, who said he likes people who are consistent in life, praised Anyanwu for being consistent saying, “you have shown me, with what had just happened recently, that you are a man that will stand by his words”.
Describing Anyanwu as a man of integrity, Wike said; “My friends and I congratulate you on your 60th birthday and for your victory as the substantive National Secretary of the PDP.
“I am happy with the crowd I am seeing here. It shows you are a man of the people.
“Let me assure you, for people like us, we will stand with you; we will continue to be with you. It doesn’t matter what some people would say.”
‘Don’t beg them’
He told Anyanwu to walk with his head high, having emerged victorious and never beg anyone, nor honour anybody’s invitation.
“Nobody fights a war, wins the war and begs. You have won, the people concerned should come and talk to you and not invite you.
“You don’t fight a war and win and then people will say come, no, tell them, you, come to me.
“You have people like me, so don’t be afraid; I am here. We have done it before; we will do it again. Some people will not be happy, I am happy.
“When e dey pain them, e de sweet us, as e dey sweet us e de pain them,” he said in pidgin.
Wike stressed that “what makes a man is his character and not how much money he has or the food he provides. If you don’t have character, go to hell with your food.”
