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Lastest News Nigeria, Politics, Business, Sport, Interview
Lastest News Nigeria, Politics, Business, Sport, Interview
|By Adejumo Adekunle
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed criticism surrounding his recent visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, insisting that political differences should not breed hostility.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday during an inspection of ongoing road projects in Karu, Apo-Karshi and Kubwa, Wike said the visit was personal and should not be interpreted as a political alliance.
The former Rivers State governor said he does not practice what he described as “politics of enmity,” stressing that politicians from opposing parties can maintain cordial relationships.
“We’re all colleagues before he left for the chairmanship of APC,” Wike said. “So what should I do anytime I see him — hide? Or he should run away from me because people will say something?”
Wike explained that he visited Yilwatda after the APC chairman reportedly made several unsuccessful attempts to see him officially.
According to the minister, his schedule as FCT minister is often crowded with engagements and visitors, making it difficult to grant appointments promptly.
He said he decided to visit the APC chairman at his residence instead of allowing the meeting to remain pending.
The minister also criticised attempts to politicise private interactions, questioning why every personal visit by a public official should become a matter of national debate.
Wike maintained that his priority remains the delivery of infrastructure projects and meeting the expectations of the administration that appointed him.
“What’s important to me is what I’m doing for my people,” he said, adding that performance in office matters more than political speculation.
He further stated that he is under no obligation to publicly explain his personal movements or social visits.
During the inspection, Wike reiterated the need for contractors handling road projects across the FCT to ensure timely completion of the ongoing works.
