The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports suggesting that he boycotted the recent Council of State meeting in protest against the appointment of the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Wike clarified that his absence from the meeting was with the knowledge and approval of President Bola Tinubu, explaining that he had prior official engagements on the same day.
Speaking during the commissioning of Access Roads in Sector Centre B, Dakibiyu District, Abuja, the minister described the reports as false and mischievous attempts to misrepresent his commitment to the administration.
“On Thursday, we had a flag-off and I told the Minister of State, FCT, to represent me at the Council of State meeting,” he said. “I had already informed Mr President that I would not be available because of other engagements we had already scheduled, and so, the honourable minister of state represented the FCT in that meeting.”
Wike urged Nigerians to ignore what he termed “unnecessary propaganda and blackmail,” insisting that he remains focused on delivering the President’s development agenda for the FCT.
“They said I did not attend because I was not happy that my own nominee was not taken,” he said. “But I work for Mr President. His judgment, as far as I’m concerned, has always been about putting this country in the right perspective.”
The minister added that the successes recorded in the FCT were a result of President Tinubu’s leadership and commitment to national development.
“I have always said, when you have the right leadership, you can achieve the expected results. President Tinubu has shown the right leadership. People are talking about the achievements we have made because we have the right direction and focus,” Wike stated.
