The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has denied claims that he deliberately boycotted the recent Council of State meeting over the appointment of the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking on Tuesday during the commissioning of access roads in Sector Centre B, Dakibiyu District, Abuja, Wike described the reports as "false, mischievous, and designed to cause unnecessary tension."
He explained that his absence from the meeting was with the express permission of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that he had assigned the Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, to represent him due to prior official engagements.
"Sometime last week, Thursday, we had a flag-off, and I told the Minister of State to represent me at the Council of State meeting. I had already informed Mr. President that I would not be available. That is why I find it laughable when people spread unnecessary propaganda and blackmail. But in spite of all that, I remain focused," he said.
The clarification followed media reports alleging that Wike’s absence signalled displeasure with the appointment of Prof Joash Amupitan as INEC Chairman, after an unsuccessful bid to influence the selection in favour of Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman of the Court of Appeal.
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Wike firmly denied harbouring any grievances, insisting that his loyalty to President Tinubu remains unwavering.
"I work for Mr. President. His judgment, as far as I am concerned, has always been about repositioning the country. When you begin to deliver on your mandate, the results will silence all critics," he said.
The FCT Minister attributed recent infrastructural progress in the capital to the President’s leadership, describing Tinubu as a leader providing "the right direction at the right time."
"People are talking about our achievements in the FCT today because of one thing—leadership. Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has provided that. And that is why we are getting things right," he said.
Reflecting on developments in Dakibiyu District, Wike cited the transformation of areas previously inaccessible, including sites now allocated to the Court of Appeal, the Code of Conduct Tribunal, and the Police Service Commission.
He commended local contractors and praised the cooperation of the Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, stressing the uncommon unity within the FCT administration.
"I’m happy to have a Minister of State who is supportive. It’s not always easy to have two ministers working closely together. I was once a Minister of State, so I know the challenges. But here, we work as a team," he said.
Wike also hinted at upcoming projects, including the inauguration of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, expected to be commissioned by President Tinubu in the coming months.
Urging detractors to separate politics from governance, he insisted that the visible progress in the FCT speaks for itself.
"As far as the FCT is concerned, no matter how you feel about losing an election, someone must win. Even if you hate Mr. President, can you deceive yourself into saying nothing is happening in the FCT? That would be dishonest," he said.
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