Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that no amount of blackmail or public criticism will force him to compromise his principles.
He said his only concern is to please God and to meet the expectations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who appointed him.
Wike spoke on Monday, September 22, during the official flag-off of Access Roads ILS 02 and ILS 03, also known as Timipre Sylva Street, in the Mabushi District of Abuja.
He used the occasion to warn critics that attempts to blackmail him into submission would fail.
“So, if you like, go and organise yourself. Something I know is not correct cry from morning till night.
Call me whatever name you want, put my name on the internet, say anything you want to say. Foul,” Wike declared before the cheering crowd.
The former Rivers State governor insisted that blackmail is a common weapon in politics, but he stressed that such tactics cannot shake him.
According to him, his “skin is thick and strong” enough to withstand attacks, no matter how intense.
“I am not one of those you will think that blackmail will change. As a politician, you must know these are things you will see. So, why are you worried? No serious politician should ever think people will not say something against them,” he added.
Wike further noted that the only scenario that would bother him is if President Tinubu himself expressed dissatisfaction with his performance.
“The only way I will be worried is if my appointor is not satisfied with what I am doing. But just because we are not doing what you want, and you think blackmail will make us do it we will not do it,” he warned.
The FCT minister also accused some contractors and interest groups of attempting to dictate priorities to the government.
He argued that as the President’s representative in the FCT, he alone had the authority to determine which projects deserved attention.
“I mean, look at this country where you are a minister, and people are signing contracts to the tune of ₦19–20 billion.
Then somebody comes to say, ‘Oh, you are owing us.’
I determine the priority. I, representing Mr. President, determine the priority. You cannot determine for us,” he stated.
Wike assured FCT residents that infrastructure development remains his focus, emphasizing that roads, schools, and hospitals are at the top of his agenda.
“It is not every day you pay contractors. Our people need hospitals, schools, and good roads. That is why we are here to flag off these projects,” he explained.
Concluding his remarks, Wike said he was not seeking popularity or public approval but divine approval and his principal’s confidence.
“I have never said I want to be one of those that are liked. No. I don’t want anybody to like me. All I want is God,” he said firmly.
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