- Wike said he was absent from the Council of State meeting with President Tinubu’s permission.
- The FCT Minister clarified that he was represented by the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud.
- He dismissed reports linking his absence to lobbying for a preferred INEC nominee as false.
- Wike praised President Tinubu’s leadership, crediting him for visible progress in the FCT.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has debunked reports claiming he intentionally boycotted the Council of State meeting due to dissatisfaction with the appointment of the new INEC Chairman.
Speaking during the commissioning of access roads in Sector Centre B, Dakibiyu District, Abuja, on Tuesday, Wike explained that he had earlier informed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu about his unavailability due to scheduled engagements. He said the Minister of State for the FCT represented him at the meeting with the President’s approval.
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He described the media reports suggesting his absence was due to the appointment of Prof. Joash Amupitan as INEC Chairman as “baseless and politically motivated.” The reports had alleged that Wike’s preferred candidate, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman, was overlooked.
“I had already told Mr. President I would not be available because of official duties. That is why I find it laughable when people try to spread unnecessary propaganda. But despite all that, I remain focused,” Wike said.
The former Rivers State Governor reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu, describing him as a leader committed to repositioning Nigeria. “I work for Mr. President. His vision has always been about how to make the country better. Once you deliver on your mandate, the results will silence critics,” he added.
Wike attributed the ongoing development in the FCT to President Tinubu’s strong leadership, noting that the success recorded under his ministry was possible because of the President’s direction and support.
“People are talking about our achievements in the FCT today because of one thing, leadership. Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has provided that. That is why we are getting things right,” Wike said.
He recalled that the Dakibiyu District was once inaccessible but has now been transformed with new roads and infrastructure, including areas that host institutions like the Code of Conduct Tribunal and the Police Service Commission.
The Minister commended local contractors for their commitment and praised the cooperation of the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, noting that teamwork was key to their success. “It’s not easy to have two ministers working well together, but here, we are a team,” he stated.
Wike also revealed that the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal would soon be inaugurated by President Tinubu, describing it as another milestone achievement. “This is what dividends of democracy look like flagging off and commissioning projects sector by sector,” he said.
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Urging critics to separate politics from governance, Wike maintained that the progress in the FCT under Tinubu’s administration cannot be denied. “Even if you hate the President, you cannot lie to yourself that nothing is happening in the FCT. The evidence is everywhere,” he said.
He concluded that the developments in Abuja mirror President Tinubu’s wider commitment to delivering good governance nationwide. “If this is what’s happening in the FCT, imagine what is going on in other parts of the country,” he added.
