The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has responded to calls for his removal from office, saying President Bola Tinubu has the constitutional right to sack him if he so desires.
Wike made the remarks on Sunday during a “thank you” visit to his Local Government Area, Obio-Akpor, in Rivers State, amid growing calls by some politicians and interest groups urging President Tinubu to remove him over the lingering political crisis in the state.
According to the minister, politics is driven by interest rather than sentiment or emotion, stressing that power is not freely given but taken.
“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,” Wike said.
He added that President Tinubu understands his value and does not require external pressure to decide on his appointment.
Wike also underscored the political influence of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, saying its voting strength has historically determined electoral outcomes in Rivers State.
“Since 1999, the people of Obio-Akpor have not disappointed me. Nobody has become governor in this state without Obio-Akpor making a pronouncement; nobody has become senator of Rivers East without Obio-Akpor making a decision,” he said.
He warned critics that while they may abuse the people of the area, they would ultimately seek their votes during elections.
“For the people of Obio-Akpor, we have the power to dictate who becomes governor in Rivers. Abuse us today, but when it is time for votes, we will punish you with our votes,” he added.
The minister further said President Tinubu has done much for Rivers State and pledged that the people would reciprocate the gesture in the 2027 general elections.
Earlier, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, noted that Obio-Akpor has over 684,000 votes out of the 3.5 million registered voters in Rivers State, describing the local government as a major political force.
“With such voting strength, nobody can challenge the political power of Obio-Akpor in this state,” Chinda said, assuring the minister of the area’s continued support.
The Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Council, Gift Worlu, described Wike as a “gift” to the council, Rivers State and the nation, citing his performance at the local, state and national levels. He said supporting Tinubu in the 2023 election had yielded tangible benefits for the people.
Similarly, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, reassured the minister of the full backing of the people and lawmakers in the area, pledging continued support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
“Tell Mr President that what we did for him in 2023, we will do even better in 2027,” Amaewhule said.
