The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has publicly clarified the reasons behind his absence from the recent Council of State meeting, attributing it to prior official commitments. He dismissed circulating media narratives suggesting a fallout with President Bola Tinubu as baseless “propaganda and slander.”
Wike made these remarks on Tuesday during the inauguration of new access roads in Sector Centre B of Abuja’s Daki Biyu District, shortly after the Council of State convened and approved Prof. Joash Amupitan as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Explaining his absence, Wike emphasized that it was a matter of scheduling rather than dissent. “Last Thursday, we had a flag-off event, and I instructed the Minister of State for FCT to attend the Council of State meeting on my behalf,” he said.
He further noted, “I had informed Mr. President in advance that I would be unavailable due to other prearranged engagements.”
These statements directly countered a report by Sahara Reporters, which claimed Wike deliberately skipped the meeting amid tensions with President Tinubu over the INEC chairmanship nomination.
The report suggested that Wike was displeased because his preferred candidate, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman, was overlooked by the President.
Responding firmly, Wike said, “They alleged I was absent because I was unhappy my nominee was rejected. I serve under Mr. President, and I trust his decisions, which are always aimed at steering the nation in the right direction.”
He encouraged his team to concentrate on project delivery, stressing that concrete accomplishments are the best way to counter criticism.
“Stay committed. When you produce results, critics lose their voice. Today, they have no valid arguments left,” Wike asserted.
Turning to commendation, the minister praised President Tinubu’s leadership as the driving force behind the recent surge in infrastructure projects within the FCT.
“Effective leadership is key to success. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has demonstrated exemplary leadership, enabling us to realize these achievements,” Wike concluded.
