The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says only President Bola Tinubu has the authority to remove him from office, dismissing calls from critics demanding his sack.
Wike stated this on Sunday during a thank-you visit to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, where he addressed party leaders, traditional rulers, women, and youths.
He said political power is earned through strength and strategy, stressing that Obio/Akpor remains a major factor in determining political direction in Rivers State.
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Speaking to the crowd, Wike said politics should be driven by interest rather than emotion.
“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 maintained that Obio/Akpor has the electoral strength to influence political outcomes in Rivers State.
“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.”
On calls for his removal, Wike insisted that such a decision rests with President Tinubu.
“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, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Gift Worlu, described Wike as a strong political figure and assured him of the council’s loyalty.
“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.
Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, also pledged the Assembly’s 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.
The visit came amid renewed political tension in Rivers State after the Assembly began fresh impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, over alleged gross misconduct.
The Majority Leader, Major Jack, presented a notice signed by 26 lawmakers accusing the governor of extra-budgetary spending of over N800 billion without approval, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, demolition of the Assembly complex, and disobeying Supreme Court rulings on legislative autonomy. A separate notice was also issued against the deputy governor.
Amaewhule said the notices would be served within seven days, as required by the Constitution.