The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed growing calls for his removal from office, insisting that only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the constitutional authority to sack him.
Wike made the declaration on Sunday during a thank-you visit to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he met with party leaders, traditional rulers, women and youth groups.
The minister, who is currently touring Rivers State’s 23 local government areas, said the visit was to appreciate residents for their support during the 2023 general elections and to mobilise backing for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.
Addressing supporters, Wike stressed that political power is neither accidental nor driven by sentiment, but achieved through deliberate struggle and the protection of collective interests.
“There is no sentiment, there is no emotion. Politics is an interest; the interest of your people. Power is not given; we struggle for it,” he said.
“If Donald Trump did not have power, would he go to Venezuela to pick a president? He wouldn’t. Because he has power, that’s why he can act.”
Wike also underscored the political significance of Obio/Akpor in Rivers State, describing the council as a decisive force in determining electoral outcomes.
“For the people of Obio/Akpor, we have the power to dictate who becomes governor. Ask those commenting from the sidelines if their local government, which produced 5,000 votes, can challenge one that produced 40 per cent of the votes,” he said.
“Nobody has become governor in this state without Obio/Akpor. Nobody has become senator of Rivers East without Obio/Akpor deciding.”
Reacting directly to calls for his sack, the former Rivers State governor said such demands were misplaced.
“Don’t bother about people who say ‘sack him.’ If my appointor believes I cannot offer anything again, he has the right. Not that you should tell him,” Wike said.
“I am proud that the people of Obio/Akpor, Rivers State and Nigerians know we have not disappointed them in the FCT.”
Earlier, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Gift Worlu, described Wike as a major political asset to the council, Rivers State and the nation, praising his performance in various public offices, including local government chairman, chief of staff, governor and minister.
“When it comes to who should be President of Nigeria in 2027, we know where to go. As for the governorship of Rivers State, we know where not to go,” Worlu said, pledging the council’s continued loyalty.
Also speaking, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, assured Wike of sustained legislative support, both for him and President Tinubu.
“Don’t bother about detractors. The real people of Nigeria know your worth. They know you are helping the President deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Amaewhule said.
