The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has responded to calls by some critics for his removal from office, saying that only President Bola Tinubu, who appointed him, has the power to sack him.
Wike made this statement on Sunday during a thank-you visit to the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, his home state. The visit was part of his engagements with supporters and party members since his appointment as FCT minister.
According to Wike, those calling for his sack have no authority to do so and should direct their concerns to President Tinubu if they believe he is no longer performing his duties.
“Don’t bother about people who say sack me because it doesn’t lie in their mouth,” Wike said. “If my appointor believes that I can’t offer anything again, he has the right. It’s not that you should tell him.”
The former Rivers State governor said he remains confident in his performance as FCT minister and believes that his work speaks for itself. He added that his critics are only making noise because of his active style of leadership.
“I said it yesterday in Port Harcourt and I want people to note this clearly. If you are not doing well, nobody will talk about you,” he said.
Wike also urged the people of Rivers State to be proud of his achievements in the Federal Capital Territory, describing his tenure as impactful and beneficial to Nigerians.
“I’m very proud. Obio/Akpor people are proud, Rivers people are proud, and we can tell Nigerians that we have not disappointed them as far as FCT is concerned,” he added.
Since his appointment in August 2023, Wike has remained one of the most visible members of President Tinubu’s cabinet. As FCT minister, he oversees the administration of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, which includes infrastructure development, land administration, security coordination, and urban planning.
His appointment attracted national attention, especially because Wike is a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but accepted an appointment from a government led by the All Progressives Congress (APC). This move sparked criticism from some PDP leaders and supporters, who accused him of betraying the party.
Despite the criticism, Wike has maintained a strong relationship with President Tinubu and has repeatedly expressed loyalty to the administration. President Tinubu, on his part, has publicly praised Wike’s energy and commitment to work in the FCT.
Under Wike’s leadership, several road construction and rehabilitation projects have been initiated or revived in Abuja. The minister has also taken a firm stance on issues such as illegal land occupation, abandoned projects, and enforcement of development rules in the capital.
Supporters of Wike argue that his hands-on approach has brought renewed focus to infrastructure and governance in the FCT. However, critics have accused him of being too confrontational and politically outspoken for a minister.
Calls for his sack intensified in recent weeks following his continued involvement in political matters in Rivers State, including disputes within the PDP and tensions between factions loyal to him and those opposed to his influence.
Wike has remained a dominant political figure in Rivers State even after leaving office as governor in 2023. His relationship with the current governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has been strained, leading to a political crisis in the state that has attracted national attention.
During his visit to Obio/Akpor, Wike thanked supporters for standing by him despite the controversies surrounding his political career. He said the support from his people gives him confidence to continue serving Nigeria with dedication.
They also note that Wike’s outspokenness has made him a regular subject of public debate, both within and outside government. While some Nigerians admire his boldness, others believe his style fuels unnecessary political tension.
In recent months, the FCT Administration under Wike has also been involved in efforts to improve security in Abuja, following concerns over criminal activities on major roads and in satellite towns. The minister has worked with security agencies to increase patrols and improve response to security threats.
Wike has also defended his frequent visits to Rivers State, saying he has the right to engage politically as a citizen, as long as it does not interfere with his official duties.
“I am a politician. I cannot stop being a politician because I am a minister,” he has said on several occasions.
His comments on Sunday further underline his belief that criticism is part of public service and should not distract him from his responsibilities.
For many supporters, Wike’s defiance sends a message that he remains focused on his job and unbothered by pressure. For his critics, however, the statement may further fuel debate about his role in the Tinubu administration.
As calls for his sack continue in some quarters, Wike made it clear that he answers only to the president who appointed him.
“If my appointor feels I am no longer useful, he has the right to act,” he said.