|By Chinwendu Nwani
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports suggesting a rift between him and President Bola Tinubu, describing claims about his absence from last week’s Council of State meeting as propaganda and blackmail.
Wike, speaking during the commissioning of access roads in Sector Centre B, Dakibiyu District, clarified that he was unavoidably absent from the meeting because of prior engagements and had duly informed President Tinubu ahead of time. He said the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, represented him at the session.
“Sometimes last Thursday, we had a flag-off, and I instructed the Minister of State to attend the Council of State meeting on my behalf. I had already informed Mr. President that I would not be available due to pre-scheduled engagements,” Wike stated.
Media reports had claimed that Wike shunned the meeting because President Tinubu rejected his nominee for the position of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The council eventually confirmed Prof. Joash Amupitan as INEC Chairman.
Reacting to the speculation, Wike stressed his unwavering commitment to the President’s vision for Nigeria, insisting that no amount of blackmail would distract him.
“They said I did not attend because I was unhappy that my nominee was not approved. I work for Mr. President, and his judgment has always been in the best interest of the country,” Wike declared. “When you start delivering, achievements will silence critics. We are focused on roads for now, and soon, we’ll shift attention to education.”
The FCT Minister also revealed that his administration will soon prioritize interventions in the education sector, promising to upgrade schools across the territory.
Commending his Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, for her cooperation, Wike praised the spirit of teamwork in the FCT Administration.
“I’m happy to have a Minister of State who has been very supportive. It’s not easy to have two ministers working so closely and cooperatively,” he said, while also appreciating the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) for its role in project execution.
Wike urged residents and observers to disregard unfounded rumours and remain focused on the ongoing transformation of the FCT.
