“Tinubu Can Sack Me If He Believes I Have Nothing to Offer” — Wike

Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has said that only President Bola Tinubu has the authority to remove him from office, dismissing calls by critics demanding his sack.

Wike made the remarks on Sunday during the final leg of his “thank you” visit to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

In recent weeks, pressure has mounted on the minister following renewed political tensions between him and Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers State, over the control of the state’s politics.

At a stakeholders’ meeting in Okrika LGA, Wike had warned that his political career would be severely damaged if Fubara were to secure a second term as governor. He said a decision had already been made on the matter.

“We have made a decision as far as Tinubu is concerned. The other one [Fubara]—no way. If we make another mistake, we will bury ourselves politically. I will not allow that to happen again,” Wike said.

Responding to calls for his removal, Wike stressed that critics cannot dictate cabinet decisions. “Don’t bother about people who say, ‘sack him.’ If my appointor believes I cannot offer anything again, he has the right. Nobody needs to tell him what to do,” he said.

He said he remains proud of his role in the federal cabinet, adding that the people of Rivers State and Nigerians can judge his performance in the FCT.

“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 said.

Wike said his visit to Obio/Akpor was to acknowledge residents’ support, calling gratitude a fundamental principle of leadership.

“When I called on you, you responded. It was only right that I came back to say thank you. When someone stands by you, you acknowledge it,” he said.

The minister added that politics should focus on the interests of the people, not emotions, emphasizing that power is earned, not given.

“For the people of Obio/Akpor, we have the power to decide who becomes governor in Rivers State,” Wike said. “You can abuse us today, but when it is time for votes, you will come back. And we will respond with our votes.”