Wike Says Only Tinubu Can Sack Him, Dismisses Calls For Removal As FCT Minister
Wike has responded to critics, saying only President Bola Tinubu has the authority to remove him as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), dismissing calls for his sack.
The minister’s remarks come amid increasing pressure from political figures, especially within the All Progressives Congress (APC), who have linked their calls for his removal to tensions with his successor as Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Groups such as the APC Leaders Forum (ALF) and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement (TSSM) had issued an open letter urging Tinubu to dismiss Wike, citing alleged insubordination, anti-party activities, and threats to national unity.
During a “thank you” visit to Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Wike insisted that only the president can decide his fate.
“If my appointor believes that I cannot offer anything again, he has the right. It’s not that you should tell him,” he said.
Wike defended his performance in office, noting that the attention he receives is due to the results of his work in the FCT.
“I am proud, and Rivers people are proud, and we can tell Nigerians that we have not disappointed them as far as FCT is concerned. If you are not doing well, nobody will talk about you. But because we are doing well, people must talk about us,” he added.
He also criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his supporters who are positioning for the 2027 presidency, arguing that they lack the capacity to win based on past results.
“Those who say they are coming from Atiku’s side—I don’t understand. People who couldn’t give Atiku Abubakar ten percent in 2023 are now claiming they can deliver the presidency. You want to deliver failure because he has never passed one day.
“We are the ones who have been winning every election. Magnus can attest to that. How can somebody who failed come and lead their own campaign? What campaign will he lead? We have settled the issue of the presidency come 2027. The good thing is everybody is saying we support Tinubu. Let us wrestle this one here, and let’s see who will win.”
