Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed calls for his removal from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet, insisting that only the President has the constitutional authority to sack him.
Wike made the remarks on Sunday during the final leg of his “thank you” visit to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, amid growing demands by politicians and interest groups for his dismissal over the lingering political crisis in the state.
Responding to the pressure, Wike said cabinet appointments are not determined by public sentiment but by presidential discretion.
“Don’t bother about people who say, ‘sack him.’ If my appointor believes that I cannot offer anything again, he has the right. It is not in your place to tell him what to do,” he said.
He stressed that President Tinubu understands his value and does not require external prompting to take decisions regarding his cabinet.
Wike also asserted the political dominance of Obio/Akpor in Rivers politics, declaring that the local government holds decisive influence over who emerges as governor or senator in the state.
“There is no sentiment, there is no emotion. Politics is interest; the interest of your people. Power is not given; it is taken,” he said.
“For the people of Obio/Akpor, we have the power to dictate who becomes governor in Rivers. Nobody has become governor in this state without Obio/Akpor making a pronouncement.”
He challenged critics from areas with lower voter strength, questioning their electoral relevance.
“Ask them if a local government that produces 5,000 votes can challenge one that produces 40 per cent of the votes. Let us see how it will work,” he said.
Warning his opponents, Wike said political attacks would ultimately be settled at the ballot box.
“So, if you like, abuse us. After abusing us, come and look for our votes, and we will punish you with the votes,” he declared.
Addressing his political rift with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Wike recalled his recent comment that his political career would be destroyed if Fubara secures a second term. He said a firm decision had already been taken regarding the 2027 elections.
“We have made a decision as far as Tinubu is concerned. The other one—no way. If we make another mistake, then we will go and bury ourselves politically. I will not allow that mistake again,” he said.
Despite the controversy, Wike maintained that he has performed creditably as FCT minister and enjoys the confidence of Nigerians.
“I am proud that the people of Obio/Akpor, the people of Rivers State, and Nigerians know that we have not disappointed them in the FCT,” he said.
Explaining the purpose of his visit, Wike described it as an expression of gratitude to those who have supported him since 1999.
“When someone does good to you, you acknowledge it. Gratitude matters,” he noted.
He concluded by telling his critics to allow him practise the brand of politics he has chosen, stressing that he did not choose to be a pastor, trader, journalist or public commentator, but a politician determined to play the game by its rules.
Wike also said President Tinubu has done much for Rivers State, expressing confidence that the people would reciprocate the support in the 2027 elections.
