President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed growing calls for his removal, insisting that only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the authority to decide his fate.
Wike made the remarks on Sunday during a “thank you” visit to his Local Government Area, Obio-Akpor, in Rivers State, where he maintained that politics is driven by interests, not sentiments. According to Daily Trust, the minister spoke amid sustained pressure from some politicians and interest groups who have urged President Tinubu to sack him over the lingering political crisis in Rivers State.
“There is no sentiment, there is no emotion. Politics is an interest; the interest of your people. Power is not given; we struggle for it,” Wike said.
He argued that political influence is rooted in strength and numbers, stressing the electoral relevance of Obio-Akpor in Rivers politics. “So for the people of Obio/Akpor, we have the power to dictate who becomes governor,” he said.
Wike also took a swipe at critics he described as political bystanders. “All these people commenting from the sidelines, ask them if their local government, which produced only 5,000 votes, can challenge one that produced 40 per cent of the votes? Let us see how it will work,” he stated.
Drawing a global comparison to underscore his point about power, the minister added, “After all, if Donald Trump did not have power, would he go to Venezuela to pick a president? He wouldn’t. Because he has power, that’s why he can act.”
He warned that verbal attacks would not translate into electoral success, saying, “So, if you like, abuse us, after abusing us, come and look for our votes and we will punish you with the votes.”
Reiterating his position on the calls for his sack, Wike said President Tinubu understands his value and does not require external pressure to act.
“Don’t bother about people who say ‘sack him.’ If my appointor believes that I cannot offer anything again, he has the right,” he said.
According to Daily Trust, Wike also praised President Tinubu for what he described as significant support for Rivers State, expressing confidence that the people would reciprocate politically. He said the president’s efforts would not go unnoticed, adding that Rivers people would “return the favour in 2027.”
Addressing his critics directly, Wike concluded that he deliberately chose a political career and should be allowed to operate within that space. “I chose to be a politician and not a pastor, a trader, a public commentator or journalist. Allow me to play my politics,” he said.
