FCT Minister Nyesom Wike led community leaders to the Presidential Banquet Hall in Abuja to pay Sallah homage to President Bola Tinubu. During the event, Wike presented an Eid-el-Fitr congratulatory card to the president, as seen in a video clip shared by Lere Olayinka, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media ¹.
This visit comes amid rumors of Wike’s alleged ill health, which his team has denied. There were social media claims suggesting he collapsed at an event in Abuja, but Olayinka clarified that the minister did not collapse.
Wike’s presence at the event aims to put these rumors to rest, showcasing his commitment to his duties as FCT minister and his respect for the president.
Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State and FCT Minister has been a significant figure in Nigerian politics, especially in relation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Wike’s closeness to Tinubu can be seen as a strategic political alignment that has drawn both support and criticism.
Perspectives on Wike’s Closeness to Tinubu
Nyesom Wike closeness with President Tinubu started before the 2023 general elections with his support for the Tinubu candidacy . After the electoral victory he was appointed by Tinubu as the FCT Minister.
Wike’s alliance with Tinubu could be interpreted as a pragmatic move to secure political relevance and resources for Rivers State. This alignment might be aimed at gaining favor for developmental projects and securing positions for his loyalists within the Tinubu administration.
Cross-Party Dynamics: Wike previously had tensions with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership, which he has publicly criticized. His closeness to Tinubu is viewed by some as an opportunistic move that reflects the fluidity of political allegiance in Nigeria, where alliances can shift based on mutual benefits rather than ideological alignments. Wike had caused many misfortunes for many in PDP especially those with conflicting interest with his.
3. Strategic Influence: By aligning with the ruling party, Wike may be positioning himself as a crucial player in Southern and Nigeria politics. His role could significantly impact the political landscape in the South-South region.
Calls for Wike’s Sack
The calls for Wike’s removal as FCT Minister sterns from the recent imbroglio in Rivers state between the Wike and Fubara block which led to the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers. Suspending the governor Fubara, his deputy, executive council and the Legislatures of Rivers. However as FCT Minister , Wike was not disciplined nor sanctioned by Mr President.
Factionalism in PDP: Wike’s relationship with the current administration heightens fears of factionalism within the PDP, with opponents rallying for his dismissal to restore party unity and focus.
FCT Land Revocation Issues under Wike
Wike’s administration faced scrutiny over land revocation issues in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where allegations surfaced regarding the misuse of power for land revocation and acquisition.
Controversial Land Policies: Wike’s revocation of land titles in Abuja has raised concerns about transparency and fairness. Critics argue that these actions could be politically motivated, targeting opponents or entities aligned with rival parties.
Wike’s relationship with President Tinubu exposes the complex nature of Nigerian politics, where alliances can shape both policy and governance.