By John Umeh
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed growing calls for his removal from office, declaring that only President Bola Tinubu, who appointed him, has the authority to decide his fate.
Wike made the remarks on Sunday during a thank-you visit to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he met with party stakeholders, traditional leaders, women groups, and youth representatives.
Speaking bluntly, the former Rivers State governor said political influence is built on strength, organisation, and strategic interests—not emotion or sympathy. He warned that Obio/Akpor remains a dominant political bloc whose influence cannot be ignored in Rivers State politics.
According to Wike, political power is never handed over freely but must be forcefully negotiated and protected.
“There is no room for sentiment in politics. It is about interests—protecting the interests of your people. Power is not donated; it is taken,” he said, drawing an international comparison to underscore his point. “If power did not matter, would Donald Trump be dictating outcomes in other countries? Power is the reason actions happen.”
Wike boasted that Obio/Akpor has historically played a decisive role in determining political leadership in Rivers State, from the governorship to senatorial positions in Rivers East. He challenged critics who downplay the area’s political weight to compare voting strength.
“Let those shouting from the sidelines show their numbers,” he said. “Can a local government that delivered 5,000 votes stand against one that produced nearly 40 percent of the total votes? We have the strength, and we know how to use it.”
He warned that political actors who undermine Obio/Akpor while seeking electoral support would be firmly resisted at the ballot box.
On speculation about his possible dismissal from the Federal Executive Council, Wike dismissed the noise as inconsequential.
“If my appointor feels I no longer add value, he has every right to act. But that decision does not belong to commentators or critics,” he said. “I am confident that Nigerians know we have delivered in the FCT.”
The minister has been touring Rivers State’s 23 local government areas to express appreciation for support during the 2023 general elections and to rally continued backing for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.
Earlier at the event, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government, Gift Worlu, praised Wike’s political legacy, describing him as an indispensable figure in local, state, and national politics. He pledged unwavering loyalty to Wike’s leadership and signaled the council’s political alignment ahead of future elections.
“When it comes to loyalty and gratitude, we know our path,” Worlu said. “We will not align with betrayal or political ingratitude.”
Also speaking, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, reaffirmed the legislature’s support for Wike and President Tinubu, urging the minister to ignore detractors.
“The people who matter understand your value and your role in helping the President implement the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Amaewhule said.
The visit comes amid renewed political tension in Rivers State. Last Thursday, the Rivers State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, citing allegations of gross misconduct.
The impeachment notices, signed by 26 lawmakers, include claims of unauthorized spending exceeding ₦800 billion, withholding statutory funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, demolition of the legislative complex, and disregard for Supreme Court rulings on legislative autonomy. Separate allegations were also raised against the deputy governor for alleged complicity in unconstitutional expenditures.
The Assembly leadership said the notices would be formally served within seven days, in accordance with constitutional provisions.
The development marks another escalation in Rivers State’s prolonged political crisis, which began following the fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike. Previous impeachment attempts in 2023 and 2025 were halted after presidential intervention, including the declaration of a state of emergency by President Tinubu.
