Wike Responds to Sack Calls, Says Tinubu Has Right to Remove Him as FCT Minister

Wike Responds to Sack Calls, Says Tinubu Has Right to Remove Him as FCT Minister

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has responded to growing calls for his removal from office, saying it is entirely within the constitutional powers of President Bola Tinubu to sack him if he so desires.

Wike made the remark during a “thank you” visit to Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State on Sunday, where he dismissed the agitation for his removal as politically motivated and insisted that his political relevance remains intact.

Some politicians and interest groups have been urging President Tinubu to sack the FCT minister over the lingering political crisis in Rivers State.

Addressing the crowd, Wike said politics is driven by interests rather than emotions, stressing the strategic political importance of Obio/Akpor LGA in Rivers politics.

“There is no sentiment in politics; what matters is interest — the interest of the people. Power is not given; it is taken. Nobody has become governor in Rivers State without Obio/Akpor making a pronouncement,” he said.

He added that the local government area also plays a decisive role in determining senatorial elections in Rivers East Senatorial District.

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“If you like, abuse us. After abusing us, come and look for our votes and we will punish you with the votes,” Wike said.

Responding directly to calls for his sack, the minister said such decisions rest solely with the president.

“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,” he stated.

Wike said President Tinubu understands his value and does not require external pressure to make decisions.

He also praised Tinubu for what he described as significant benefits delivered to Rivers people, assuring that the state would reciprocate the gesture in the 2027 general election.

“Mr President has done so much for Rivers people, and we will return the favour in 2027,” he said.

Addressing his critics, Wike noted that he deliberately chose a political career and would continue to play politics unapologetically.

“I chose to be a politician, not a pastor, trader, public commentator or journalist. Allow me to play my politics,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Kingsley Chinda, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, highlighted the electoral strength of Obio/Akpor, noting that the area boasts over 684,000 votes out of 3.5 million registered voters in Rivers State.

Chinda said the voting strength makes the LGA a major political force in the state.

“With this number, nobody can challenge the political power of Obio/Akpor. Just go home and tell us what you want us to do and we will do it,” he told the minister.

The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government, Dr Gift Worlu, described Wike as a “gift” to the LGA, Rivers State and Nigeria, citing his performance in public service at all levels.

He said supporting Tinubu’s election in 2023 had translated into multiple benefits for the people and assured Wike of the area’s loyalty in 2027.

On the Rivers governorship election, Worlu said the people were yet to decide whom to support but were certain of whom they would not back.

Also speaking, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, pledged continued support for Wike and assured him that the state legislature would back 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.

Wike Responds to Sack Calls, Says Tinubu Has Right to Remove Him as FCT Minister