Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has said his continued stay in the federal cabinet is solely at the discretion of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that public pressure or criticism cannot force his removal.
Gatekeepers News reports that the minister spoke on Sunday during the final phase of his thank-you visit to Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State, where he addressed growing calls for his sack.
Tension has risen in recent weeks following the renewed political rift between Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara over control and influence in Rivers’ politics. The disagreement has fueled demands from some groups for the president to remove Wike from office.
Earlier, Wike had declared at a stakeholders’ meeting in Okrika local government area that his political future would be threatened if Fubara is allowed to secure a second term in office. He insisted that a firm decision had already been taken on the matter.
He said, “We have made a decision as far as Tinubu is concerned. The other one (Fubara)— no way. Because if we make another mistake, then we will go and bury ourselves politically. I will not allow myself to be buried. I will not allow that mistake again.”
Responding to renewed calls for his removal, Wike maintained that only the president who appointed him has the authority to decide his fate.
Wike said, “Don’t bother about people who say, ‘sack him.’ If my appointor (Tinubu) believes I cannot offer anything again, he has the right, not that you should tell him.”
He added that despite the controversy surrounding his role in national politics, he remains proud of his performance as FCT minister and believes the people of Rivers State share that view.
Wike said, “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.”
Wike explained that his visit to Obio/Akpor was to appreciate the people for their political support, noting that gratitude is an important value in leadership.
He said, “This time, I called on you, and you responded positively. I felt it was important to come back and say thank you.”
“When someone does good to you, you acknowledge it. Gratitude matters.”
He also stated that politics is driven by interests rather than emotions, arguing that political power must be actively claimed.
The minister said, “Power is not given but taken. For the people of Obio/Akpor, we have the power to dictate who becomes a Governor in Rivers.”
According to him, no one has emerged as governor or senator from Rivers East without the backing of Obio/Akpor, warning that political actors who undermine the area should not expect electoral support.
Wike said, “So, if you like, abuse us; after abusing us, come and look for our votes, and we will punish you with the votes.”
