Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says only President Bola Tinubu can sack him from the cabinet, insisting that his critics cannot dictate his removal.
Wike spoke on Sunday during the last leg of his ‘thank you’ visit to Obio/Akpor LGA in Rivers state.
In recent weeks, calls for Wike’s removal have intensified amid his renewed hostility between him and Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers, over the state’s politics.
The minister recently said at a stakeholders’ meeting in Okrika LGA of Rivers state that his political career would be ruined if Fubara secures a second term.
He added that a decision has already been made regarding Fubara’s second-term ambition.
“We have made a decision as far as Tinubu is concerned. The other one [Fubara]—no way. Because if we make another mistake, then we will go and bury ourselves politically. I will not allow myself to be buried. I will not allow that mistake again,” he said.
While reacting to the calls for his sack, Wike said his critics do not have to tell the president to get rid of him, adding that Tinubu “has the right” to sack him if he “believes I cannot offer anything again”.
The minister added that, despite the outrage, he and the people of Rivers are proud of his tenure in the federal cabinet.
“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, the people of Rivers State, and Nigerians know we have not disappointed them in the FCT.”
He added that his visit to Obio/Akpor was borne out of gratitude, noting that acknowledging support is a fundamental principle of leadership.
“This time, I called on you, and you responded positively. I felt it was important to come back and say thank you,” Wike said.
“When someone does good to you, you acknowledge it. Gratitude matters.”
According to him, there is no sentiment or emotion in politics, noting that what matters is the interest of the people.
He added that “power is not given but taken,” saying, “for the people of Obio/Akpor, we have the power to dictate who becomes a governor in Rivers.”
“Nobody has become governor in this state without Obio/Akpor making a pronouncement; nobody has become a senator of Rivers East without Obio/Akpor making a decision,” the minister said.
“So, if you like, abuse us; after abusing us, come and look for our votes, and we will punish you with the votes.”
