Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has firmly dismissed calls for his removal from office, stating that only President Bola Tinubu, who appointed him, has the authority to sack him.
Wike made this declaration on Sunday during a thank-you visit to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, where he met with party leaders, traditional rulers, women, and youth groups.
According to him, political relevance is built on strength, strategy, and interests, not emotions or sentiments. He described Obio/Akpor as a decisive political force in Rivers State, insisting that no major political victory in the state has ever happened without its backing.
“Politics is about interests, not emotions. Power is not given — it is fought for,” Wike said, stressing that areas with strong voter numbers ultimately shape leadership outcomes. He warned critics to stop underestimating Obio/Akpor’s influence, noting that votes remain the ultimate weapon in politics.
The former Rivers governor also reacted to demands for his sack, saying such calls are meaningless unless they come from the President.
“If my appointor feels I no longer have value, he has the right to act. Not critics,” he stated, adding that his performance in the FCT speaks for itself.
Wike’s visit comes amid rising political tension in Rivers State, following the commencement of impeachment proceedings by the State House of Assembly against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy over allegations of gross misconduct.
Despite the escalating crisis, Wike’s allies, including Assembly Speaker Martins Amaewhule and Obio/Akpor Council Chairman Gift Worlu, publicly reaffirmed their loyalty to him and to President Tinubu, describing Wike as a key pillar in the state’s political structure.
The situation marks another chapter in the prolonged political standoff in Rivers State, which has previously required presidential interventions to prevent breakdown of governance.