The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has clarified that his absence from last Thursday’s Council of State meeting was with the approval of President Bola Tinubu.
Wike made the clarification on Tuesday during the commissioning of the Access Roads in Sector Centre B, Dakibiyu District, Abuja.
The minister dismissed as false and mischievous reports that he deliberately boycotted the meeting over alleged dissatisfaction with the nomination of Professor Joash Amupitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“On Thursday, we had a flag-off and I told the Minister of State, FCT, to represent me at the Council of State meeting,” Wike said. “I had already told Mr President that I would not be available because of other engagements we had already put in place. The Honourable Minister of State represented the FCT in that meeting.”
He cautioned against what he described as “unnecessary propaganda and blackmail,” saying such distractions would not stop him from focusing on his duties.
“They said I did not attend because I was not happy that my own nominee was not taken. That’s not true. We have to be careful when people spread falsehood. Be focused and you’ll achieve your results,” he said.
Wike reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu, noting that the President’s leadership and support have made it possible for the FCT Administration to record visible achievements.
“I work for Mr President. His judgment has always been about putting the country in the right perspective,” he said. “When you start delivering, the achievements will silence all critics. Today they have nothing again to say.”
The minister commended Tinubu for providing “the right leadership,” which he said has enabled the FCTA to execute major infrastructure projects across the capital city.
“When you have the right leadership, you get things right. President Tinubu has shown that leadership,” Wike added.
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