President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has jokingly warned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, against allowing the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to dominate Abuja, hinting that such a scenario could cost him position.
Tinubu made this remark while addressing an Eid-El-Fitr delegation from the FCT, led by Wike, at the Presidential Banquet Hall in Abuja.
Reflecting on a past conversation with Wike, the President said,
“I remember the day Nyesom Wike came to me and said, ‘Please, take us out of this problem of TSA so that I can do more work and achieve more.’ Then I said, ‘Okay, tell me what you’re about to do.’ And he presented it. And I threw in my own political guide. ‘Would that give me any opportunity for my party to win the election in FCT?'”
In a lighthearted manner, Tinubu then cautioned Wike about the potential political consequences of PDP gaining ground in the capital city.
“I said, ‘I know where you are coming from, your own party or my party. If this thing goes too much in your own favour, you will lose your job.’ Then he said, ‘Okay, we will settle that, Oga.'”
Wike, a key figure in the PDP and a former governor of Rivers State, has been a crucial player in Nigerian politics despite serving under an All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration.
His role as FCT minister has sparked political debate, particularly amid his ongoing rivalry with his successor Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The political tension in Rivers escalated when Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state, leading to the suspension of Fubara on March 18.
The crisis, which stemmed from Wike’s deep-rooted influence in the state, has further fueled speculation about his standing in both the PDP and APC.
Despite the underlying political tensions, Tinubu commended Wike for his remarkable transformation of the FCT.
He highlighted the revival of abandoned projects, infrastructural improvements, and enhanced public services.
“Things started changing rapidly, and I started looking at the opening up of the rural areas, of abandoned projects, and the residence of the vice president that has been abandoned for years came alive. The health centres were being rehabilitated. The health facilities of the residents of FCT are being upgraded. Our teachers at school are being rehabilitated, buildings are furnished. Thank you, Wike.”
The President noted that Wike’s administration in the FCT had led to significant progress, making it possible for the government to celebrate its achievements.
“We wouldn’t have been able to open our mouths to celebrate if not for the progressive ideas you have given. Today, we are living in peace, and security is improving. There is satisfaction in our output. Hunger is coming down, and food prices are lowering. We can go to the market and do business.”
Beyond infrastructural development, Tinubu praised Wike’s governance approach, including reforms that improved property rights and reduced bureaucratic bottlenecks.
He acknowledged that creating an independent FCT Civil Service Commission had enabled better career progression for civil servants.
The President further emphasized the importance of national unity, citing Wike’s leadership in Abuja as an example of Nigeria’s diversity working for progress.
“Our people are looking for results. They are looking for comfort. They are praying for good health. They are looking for a fairer somebody with a heart. It is not about me, it’s about every one of us, and the diversity of Nigeria is being proved by Nyesom Wike. Surprisingly, Nyesom Wike is not from the North. He’s not a Hausa man. He’s from the southern part of Nigeria. And his ability to work in the centre of the northern part of Nigeria is yielding fruits. That is a good reflection of our diversity that we must use for our prosperity.”
Tinubu called on Nigerians to embrace unity, stating,
“Strengthen that diversity to develop prosperity, seeing that we are all members of one family living together in the same house but staying in different rooms. We belong to one family of hope and belief in Nigeria.”
On the occasion of Eid-El-Fitr, Tinubu urged citizens to uphold values of tolerance, generosity, and care for the less privileged.
“All I need to ask you for is the tolerance that got us together. We heard the lessons of Ramadan. We must continue to abide by that. We must continue to share. We must continue to remember the less privileged people, the orphanage, the widows, the have-nots, believing that we can share both in joy and in time of need. And we can believe that Nigeria is greater than any of us, including myself as the president. I’m just a custodian of your trust. It’s only Almighty Allah that gives power. And he says, ‘If I give it to you, you must use it in the righteous way. You must be humane. You must follow my teachings. And do great things. To show that, I granted you that privilege as a temporary article of faith, and I’m the only one who can take it away from you if you don’t know how to use it. I thank all of you.”
Responding to Tinubu’s remarks, Wike expressed gratitude for the President’s support and highlighted major reforms initiated under his leadership.
He pointed to key policy changes, including the removal of the FCT Administration from the Treasury Single Account, the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, the introduction of Mandate Secretariats for Women and Youths, and the appointment of Permanent Secretaries to enhance governance.
“As we approach the second anniversary of your administration, we are excited about the array of impactful projects that we have lined up for inauguration. These projects, designed to improve infrastructure, economic opportunities, and the overall quality of life, stand as evidence of your administration’s commitment to national development. We look forward to hosting Your Excellency in the FCT to witness firsthand the tangible progress that has been made under your leadership over the last 12 months,” Wike stated.
