Tinubu Is a Visionary; He Saw Wike Would Perform and Appointed Him — Anglican Vicar

The Vicar of St. James Anglican Church, Asokoro, Reverend Ben Idume, has praised President Bola Tinubu for appointing Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), describing the President as a visionary leader who recognized Wike’s capacity to deliver.

Speaking during a thanksgiving service to mark the completion of major FCT projects under Wike’s leadership, Reverend Idume said Tinubu’s decision to entrust the former Rivers State governor with the FCT portfolio was a result of insight and foresight.

“I will not fail to thank President Tinubu who appointed this man to be minister,” Idume said. “The President, himself, is a visionary. He can see vision, whether his eyes are closed or open. That’s why he saw that Wike could do something meaningful.”

He noted that Wike, despite facing opposition due to his background as a Christian and a southerner, had proven his critics wrong by delivering impactful projects in the FCT.

“When he became a minister, some people said, over their dead bodies, he wouldn’t make it. They asked, ‘How can a Christian be a minister? How can a southerner lead in the FCT?’ But this church is thankful to God that a Christian, a southerner, has come to rewrite the history of the Federal Capital Territory,” the vicar added.

Wike, who served as governor of Rivers State for eight years, was appointed FCT Minister in 2024 by President Tinubu despite being a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He had backed Tinubu’s presidential bid in 2023 and has remained unapologetic about his support.

“I have no regrets. I have no apologies. If the opportunity comes, I will do the same thing,” Wike reaffirmed at a separate thanksgiving service in Rivers State.

Sunday’s event at St. James Anglican Church was attended by several high-profile guests including Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, former governors Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Heineken Lokpobiri, suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly Martins Amaewhule, PDP National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, and Senator Ifeanyi Ararume.

Reverend Idume expressed confidence that Wike would surpass expectations before the end of his tenure, citing his track record of performance.

“With what he has started, we are hopeful that he will do even more,” he said.

Wike has consistently maintained his loyalty to the PDP, even as he continues to serve in the All Progressives Congress-led federal government.