Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said President Bola Tinubu has the constitutional right to sack him if he chooses to do so
Wike spoke on Sunday during a “thank you” visit to Obio-Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State. He said the people of the area had remained loyal to him since 1999.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that some politicians and interest groups have called on Tinubu to remove Wike over the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
According to Wike, politics is driven by interest, not sentiment or emotion. He said power is taken, not given, and stressed the political strength of Obio-Akpor in the state.
“No one becomes governor in Rivers without Obio-Akpor. No one becomes senator in Rivers East without our decision,” he said.
Wike added that critics could insult the people of the area but would still return to seek their votes. He warned that such actions would attract consequences at the polls.
Reacting to calls for his sack, Wike said, “If my appointor feels I have nothing more to offer, he has the right to act. It is not your place to tell him what to do.”
He said President Tinubu understands his value and does not need external advice. He also praised Tinubu for what he described as benefits delivered to Rivers State, adding that the people would reciprocate in the 2027 elections.
Wike told his critics to allow him practise politics, noting that he chose to be a politician and not a pastor, trader, journalist or public commentator.
Earlier, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, said Obio-Akpor has over 684,000 votesout of 3.5 million registered voters in Rivers State, making it a major political force.
Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government, Dr Gift Worlu, described Wike as a “gift” to the LGA, Rivers State and the nation. He said supporting Tinubu in 2023 had brought multiple benefits to the people and assured Wike of continued support ahead of 2027.
Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, also pledged the support of lawmakers in the area. He assured Wike that the state would back Tinubu more strongly in the next presidential election.
