Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has said that only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the authority to remove him from office, insisting that critics calling for his sack have no such power.
Wike made the remark on Sunday during the final leg of his “thank you” visit to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
In recent weeks, pressure has mounted on the minister to resign or be removed from the federal cabinet amid renewed political tension between him and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Addressing the calls for his removal, Wike said President Tinubu reserves the sole right to determine his continued stay in office.
“Don’t bother about people who say, ‘sack him.’ If my appointor believes I cannot offer anything again, he has the right. It is not for anyone else to dictate,” he said.
The minister added that both he and the people of Rivers State remain proud of his contributions in the federal cabinet, particularly in the FCT.
“I am proud that the people of Obio/Akpor, the people of Rivers State, and Nigerians know that we have not disappointed them in the FCT,” Wike said.
He explained that his visit to the area was to express gratitude for the support he received, describing appreciation as a core principle of leadership.
“When someone does good to you, you acknowledge it. Gratitude matters,” he noted.
Wike further remarked that politics is driven by interests rather than sentiments, stressing that power is earned, not given.
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According to him, Obio/Akpor plays a decisive role in determining political outcomes in Rivers State.
“Nobody has become governor in this state without Obio/Akpor making a pronouncement, and nobody has become a senator in Rivers East without Obio/Akpor making a decision,” he said.
He warned political opponents against underestimating the political influence of the area, adding that voters ultimately decide who holds power.