The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has clarified why he was absent from the recent Council of State meeting where President Bola Tinubu nominated Prof. Joash Amupitan as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking on Tuesday during the commissioning of the Access Roads in Sector Centre B, Dakibiyu District, Abuja, Wike dismissed claims that his absence was due to anger over the rejection of his alleged nominee for the position. He described such claims as “baseless propaganda and blackmail.”
According to Wike, he had prior official engagements and had duly informed President Tinubu in advance. He added that the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, attended the meeting on his behalf.
“I had already told Mr President I wouldn’t be available because of other engagements. The Minister of State represented me at the meeting,” Wike explained. “That’s why we must be careful with propaganda and blackmail. They said I didn’t attend because my nominee wasn’t taken. That’s not true.”
Reports from Sahara Reporters had earlier alleged a growing rift between Wike and President Tinubu, claiming that Wike intentionally boycotted the meeting and even lobbied for Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman of the Court of Appeal to be appointed as INEC Chairman.
But the FCT Minister dismissed such reports, insisting that he remains loyal to the President. He said his performance and the visible transformation of the FCT are proof of his commitment.
“I work for Mr President. His leadership has given us the results we’re seeing in the FCT today. When you have the right leadership, you’ll get things right,” he added.
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