The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has clarified that he was absent from last week’s Council of State meeting with the prior consent of President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking on Tuesday during the commissioning of access roads in Sector Centre B, Dakibiyu District, Wike dismissed reports suggesting that he boycotted the meeting in protest of the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“I had already informed Mr. President that I would not be available because of pre-scheduled engagements. The Minister of State for FCT represented us at the meeting, ” he said.
The former Rivers State Governor described such reports as “false and mischievous,” accusing critics of attempting to stir unnecessary propaganda.
Wike further reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu, stating that his focus remained on delivering tangible results in the FCT.
“I work for Mr. President. When you begin to deliver projects, your achievements will silence the critics, ” he said.
He also attributed the progress of the FCT Administration to what he described as the President’s visionary leadership.
“When you have the right leadership, you can achieve the expected results. President Tinubu has shown the right leadership,” Wike added.
The Council of State meeting held last Thursday endorsed the nomination of Professor Amupitan as INEC Chairman, a move that had sparked speculation over Wike’s absence.
Wike, however, insisted that his absence was strictly due to official commitments and had no political undertone.
