PORT HARCOURT – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has fired back at critics calling for his removal, stating that his position in the cabinet is at the sole discretion of President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking on Sunday during a “thank you” visit to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, Wike dismissed the mounting pressure from his detractors, asserting that their opinions hold no weight regarding his tenure.
Addressing the growing clamor for his sack, largely fueled by his ongoing political rift with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Wike maintained that he serves at the pleasure of the President.
“My critics do not have to tell the president to get rid of me. Tinubu has the right to sack me if he believes I cannot offer anything again,” Wike stated. “Don’t bother about people who say, ‘sack him.’ If my appointor believes I cannot offer anything again, he has the right, not that you should tell him.”
He further clarified that he is not distracted by the noise of his opponents: “Only President Bola Tinubu can sack me from his cabinet; my critics cannot dictate my removal.”
The Minister’s remarks come amidst intensified hostilities with his successor, Governor Fubara. Wike recently suggested that his own political survival is tied to preventing Fubara from securing a second term, claiming that a decision has already been reached regarding the Governor’s future.
“We have made a decision as far as Tinubu is concerned. The other one [Fubara]—no way,” Wike said, referring to the 2027 outlook. “Because if we make another mistake, then we will go and bury ourselves politically. I will not allow myself to be buried.”
Wike used the platform to remind his audience of his political pedigree and the influence of his home local government, Obio/Akpor, in deciding the fate of the state’s leadership. He emphasized that power is earned through strategic action and the ballot box.“Nobody has become governor in this state without Obio/Akpor making a pronouncement; nobody has become a senator of Rivers East without Obio/Akpor making a decision.”
“So, if you like, abuse us; after abusing us, come and look for our votes, and we will punish you with the votes.”
Despite the controversy, the Minister expressed pride in his work within the FCT and thanked his supporters for their steadfast loyalty.He noted that gratitude is a “fundamental principle of leadership” and that his results speak for themselves.
“I am proud that the people of Obio/Akpor, the people of Rivers State, and Nigerians know we have not disappointed them in the FCT,” he concluded.
