Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has told critics calling for his removal that it is solely within President Bola Tinubu’s authority to sack him if he is no longer able to deliver.
Wike made the remarks on Sunday during a “thank you” visit to his Local Government Area, Obio-Akpor, in Rivers State.
He stressed that political decisions should be guided by the interest of the people, not emotions or sentiment, noting that since 1999, the people of his constituency have consistently supported him.
“There is no sentiment, there is no emotion. Politics is about interest; the interest of your people. Power is not given; it is taken. For the people of Obio-Akpor, we have the power to dictate who becomes governor in Rivers,” Wike said.
He added, “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.”
Addressing his detractors, Wike said, “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 further stressed that Tinubu knows his worth and does not need advice from anyone on how to manage his appointments.
The minister also lauded Tinubu’s efforts for the development of Rivers State, noting that the people would reciprocate in the 2027 elections.
He drew a comparison with international politics, saying, “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.”
