FCT Minister Wike Responds to Calls for His Sack, Urges Critics to Respect President’s Authority
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has responded to calls for his removal, saying that any decision regarding his position rests solely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Wike made the remarks on Sunday during a “thank you” visit to his home Local Government Area, Obio-Akpor, in Rivers State. He highlighted the loyalty of the people of Obio-Akpor, noting that since 1999, they have consistently supported him and the political process.
According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), several politicians and interest groups had urged President Tinubu to dismiss Wike amid the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. The minister, however, emphasized that politics is driven by interest, not sentiment or emotion.
He stated: “Power is not given but taken. For the people of Obio-Akpor, we hold the power to decide who becomes governor in Rivers. No governor or senator has emerged without the backing of Obio-Akpor.”
Wike added: “So, if you like, criticize us. But when election time comes, we have the votes to hold people accountable. Don’t worry about those who say ‘sack him.’ If my appointor believes I cannot contribute anymore, it is his decision—not yours.”
The minister praised President Tinubu for his contributions to Rivers State and expressed confidence that the people would reciprocate in the 2027 elections. Addressing his critics, Wike reiterated that he chose to be a politician, not a pastor, trader, journalist, or commentator, and asked to be allowed to focus on his political role.
Earlier, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, highlighted the political influence of Obio-Akpor, which has over 684,000 registered voters out of the state’s 3.5 million. Chinda noted that no political power in the state can ignore the LGA’s voting strength.
Local government chairman Gift Worlu described Wike as a “gift” to the LGA, the state, and the nation due to his outstanding contributions at all levels of public service. He assured the minister that the people would support President Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, also pledged the continued support of the LGA for Wike and reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to pray for him and back his call for President Tinubu’s second-term re-election. “What we did in 2023, we will do even better in 2027,” Amaewhule affirmed.
