The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed growing criticisms over his political choices, stating that no one has the authority to call for his removal except President Bola Tinubu who appointed him.
Wike stated this on Sunday during the grand finale of his “thank you” tour in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, his political stronghold, where he addressed a large crowd of supporters, political leaders and stakeholders.
Speaking, the former Rivers State governor said politics is neither driven by emotions nor sentiments, but by interests, power and the will of the people.
He stressed that his involvement in politics was deliberate and purposeful, urging his critics to allow him to operate within the space he consciously chose.
“I did not say I wanted to be a journalist. I did not say I wanted to be a pastor, a trader or a public commentator. I said clearly that I wanted to be a politician, and that is what I am,” Wike said.
Reacting to calls by some quarters for his removal as FCT minister, Wike insisted that such demands were misplaced, noting that only his appointor has the constitutional right to take such a decision.
“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.
According to him, President Tinubu understands his value and capacity and does not require external pressure or advice to determine who serves in his cabinet.
Wike explained that his visit to Obio/Akpor was motivated by gratitude, and described the appreciation as a core principle of leadership.
He said, “This time, I called on you and you responded positively. I felt it was important to come back and say thank you. When someone does good to you, you acknowledge it. Gratitude matters.”
The minister, while reiterating the political relevance of Obio/Akpor, said the local government area remains a decisive force in Rivers State politics, boasting the power to determine electoral outcomes.
“There is no sentiment in politics; what matters is interest, the interest of the people. Power is not given, power is taken. Nobody has become governor in this state without Obio/Akpor making a pronouncement.
Nobody has become senator for Rivers East without Obio/Akpor making a decision,” he stated.
Wike warned that political actors who disrespect the people of the area should not expect their support at the polls.
“If you like, abuse us. After abusing us, you will come and look for our votes, and we will punish you with the votes,” he added.
He further commended President Tinubu for what he described as his support and contributions to Rivers State, assuring that the people would reciprocate in the 2027 general elections.
Earlier, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Mr Kingsley Chinda, highlighted the political weight of Obio/Akpor, while revealing that the local government accounts for over 684,000 votes out of the 3.5 million registered voters in Rivers State.
“With this voting strength, nobody can challenge the political power of Obio/Akpor in Rivers State. Just go home and tell us what you want us to do, and we will do it,” Chinda told the minister.
Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Gift Worlu, described Wike as a “gift” to the local government, Rivers State and Nigeria. He cited his record of service at the local, state and national levels.
Worlu said the decision of the people to support President Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election had yielded “harvest upon harvest” of benefits, assuring Wike that the people know where they stand ahead of the 2027 polls.
“In the presidential election, we know where to go. On the governorship, we may not know where to go yet, but we know where not to go,” he said.
Also, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Martin Amaewhule, reaffirmed the support of the people of Obio/Akpor and members of the state legislature for the minister.
Amaewhule pledged continued prayers and political backing for Wike, particularly in mobilising support for President Tinubu’s second-term bid.
“Tell Mr President that what we did for him in 2023, we will do even better in 2027,” he said.
