From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

He spoke during a celebration held in Abuja on Saturday, which also featured the presentation of a book titled “Sam Daddy In My Eyes.” The event drew a large crowd of party members, supporters, and dignitaries.

“My friends and I congratulate you on your 60th birthday and for your victory as the substantive National Secretary of the PDP,” Wike said. “I am happy with the crowd I am seeing here. It shows you’re a man of the people.”

The FCT Minister assured Anyanwu of his unwavering support, regardless of political challenges. “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 the people will say,” he stated. Wike urged Anyanwu to remain confident in his position, saying, “Nobody fights a war, wins the war and beg. 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.” Emphasising the importance of character over material wealth, Wike said, “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.”

Wike also recounted his advice to Anyanwu during the PDP Secretary’s crisis, urging him to remain steadfast. “Some people are going right, they are going left, they are going front and they are going backwards. What they say in the morning, what they say in the afternoon, is it what they will 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 will stand firm and will not change.”

Wike praised Anyanwu’s consistency and integrity, stating, “You have shown me, with what had just happened recently, that you are a man that will stand by his words.”

He also commended former Senate President Bukola Saraki for acknowledging Anyanwu’s steadfastness, and recalled a conversation with Anyanwu’s mother who expressed pride in her son’s resolute character. “This is what we are talking about people of character. You don’t buy it in the market,” Wike concluded.

The event was attended by party faithful and well-wishers, who joined in celebrating Senator Anyanwu’s milestone and contributions to the PDP.