No one can remove me as minister except …..- Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that only President Bola Tinubu has the authority to remove him from office, dismissing mounting calls by critics demanding his sack.

Wike also asserted that political power is neither accidental nor sentimental but acquired through calculated effort, insisting that Obio/Akpor Local Government Area continues to play a pivotal role in Rivers State politics.

The minister made the remarks on Sunday during a thank-you visit to Obio/Akpor, where he met with party leaders, traditional rulers, women, and youths.

Recall that Wike had embarked on a tour of Rivers State’s 23 local government areas to express gratitude for the support he received during the 2023 elections while also mobilising backing for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.

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Addressing his supporters, Wike emphasised that political decisions must be driven by collective interest rather than emotions.

“There is no sentiment, there is no emotion. Politics is an interest; the interest of your people. Power is not given; we struggle for it. After all, if Donald Trump did not have power, would he go to Venezuela to pick a president? He wouldn’t. Because he has power, that’s why he can act,” Wike said.

He further underlined the electoral influence of Obio/Akpor in the state’s political landscape.

“So for the people of Obio/Akpor, we have the power to dictate who becomes governor. All these people commenting from the sidelines, ask them if their local government, which produced only 5,000 votes, can challenge one that produced 40 per cent of the votes? Let us see how it will work.

“We will use our strength to punish them. Nobody has become governor in this state without Obio/Akpor making the pronouncement. Nobody has become the senator of Rivers East without Obio/Akpor deciding. So, if you like abusing us, after abusing us, come and look for the votes—and we will punish you with the votes.”

Responding directly to calls for his removal as minister, Wike said such decisions are the exclusive prerogative of the President.

“Don’t bother about people who say ‘sack him.’ If my appointor believes I cannot offer anything again, he has the right, not that you should tell him. I am proud that the people of Obio/Akpor, the people of Rivers State, and Nigerians know we have not disappointed them in the FCT,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Gift Worlu, described Wike as a political asset to the council, Rivers State, and the country, praising his performance across various public offices, including chairman, chief of staff, governor, and minister. He reaffirmed the council’s loyalty to Wike’s leadership.

“When it comes to who should be President of Nigeria in 2027, we know where to go. As for the governorship of Rivers State, we know where not to go. We will not go the way of ingratitude, disappointment, or disloyalty,” Worlu said.

Also speaking, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, pledged continued legislative support for Wike and President Tinubu.

“On behalf of the RSHA, we assure you of our prayers and support as you continue to support Mr President. Don’t bother about detractors. The real people of Nigeria know your worth. They know you are helping the President deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Amaewhule said.