Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister Nyesom Wike maintains that his detractors cannot force him out of the cabinet and that only President Bola Tinubu has the authority to do so. During the final portion of his "thank you" visit to Obio/Akpor LGA in Rivers State, Wike gave a speech on Sunday. The increasing animosity between Wike and Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara over the state's politics has heightened calls for Wike's resignation in recent weeks.
At a stakeholders' meeting in Okrika LGA, Rivers State, the minister recently declared that if Fubara wins a second term, his political career will be destroyed. Regarding Fubara's desire for a second term, he continued, A decision has already been made.
“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,” he said.
In response to calls for his dismissal, Wike stated that Tinubu "has the right" to fire him if he "believes I cannot offer anything again" and that his detractors do not need to tell the president to fire him.
The minister went on to say that he and the residents of Rivers are proud of his time in the federal cabinet, despite the outcry.
“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,” 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.”
He went on to say that his trip to Obio/Akpor was motivated by gratitude, pointing out that a key component of leadership is recognising support.
“This time, I called on you, and you responded positively. I felt it was important to come back and say thank you,” Wike said. “When someone does good to you, you acknowledge it. Gratitude matters.”
He asserts that the interests of the people are what count in politics and that there is no sentiment or emotion involved.
