MINISTER of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that no individual or group has the authority to remove him from office except President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that political power is neither sentimental nor accidental but acquired through strength, strategy, and influence.
News Point Nigeria reports that Wike made the assertion on Sunday during a thank-you visit to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he addressed party leaders, traditional rulers, women, and youth groups amid heightened political tension in the state.
The former Rivers State governor has been touring all 23 local government areas of the state to express appreciation for their support during the 2023 general elections and to mobilise backing for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.
Addressing the gathering, Wike stressed that politics is driven by interests rather than emotions, arguing that communities with numerical strength and political organisation ultimately determine leadership outcomes.
“There is no sentiment, there is no emotion. Politics is about interest—the interest of your people. Power is not given; we struggle for it,” Wike said.
Drawing a global analogy, the minister added, “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 asserted that Obio/Akpor Local Government Area remains the political backbone of Rivers State, boasting the voting strength to influence who emerges as governor or senator in the Rivers East Senatorial District.
“For the people of Obio/Akpor, we have the power to dictate who becomes governor. Those making noise from the sidelines—ask them if a local government that produced 5,000 votes can challenge one that produced 40 per cent of the votes,” he said.
“We will use our strength to punish them. Nobody has become governor in this state without Obio/Akpor making the pronouncement. Nobody has become senator of Rivers East without Obio/Akpor deciding. Abuse us all you want, but when it’s time for votes, we will respond with our votes,” Wike added.
The FCT minister also dismissed calls by critics demanding his removal from office, stressing that such authority rests solely with President Tinubu, who appointed him.
“Don’t bother about people shouting ‘sack him.’ If my appointor believes I cannot offer anything again, he has the right to remove me—not you,” Wike said.
He defended his performance as FCT minister, stating that his record speaks for itself.
“I am proud that the people of Obio/Akpor, Rivers State, and Nigerians know that we have not disappointed them in the FCT,” he added.
Earlier, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Mr. Gift Worlu, praised Wike’s political relevance and leadership, describing him as a major asset to the council, Rivers State, and Nigeria at large.
Worlu commended Wike’s performance across various leadership roles, including council chairman, chief of staff, governor, and minister, and pledged the council’s continued loyalty.
“When it comes to who should be President of Nigeria in 2027, we know where to go. And when it comes to who should govern Rivers State, we know where not to go,” Worlu said.
“We will not go the way of ingratitude, disappointment, or disloyalty,” he added.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, reaffirmed the legislature’s support for Wike and President Tinubu, urging the minister to ignore his critics.
“On behalf of the Rivers State House of Assembly, we assure you of our prayers and full support as you continue to support Mr President. Don’t bother about detractors. The real people of Nigeria know your worth and your contributions to the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Amaewhule said.
Wike’s visit comes amid escalating political crisis in Rivers State. On Thursday, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Amaewhule, formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, over allegations of gross misconduct.
The Majority Leader of the House, Major Jack, presented a notice signed by 26 lawmakers accusing the governor of multiple infractions, including extra-budgetary spending exceeding ₦800 billion without legislative approval, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, demolition of the Assembly complex, and defiance of Supreme Court rulings on legislative autonomy.
A separate notice was also read against the deputy governor, accusing her of conniving in unconstitutional expenditures.
Amaewhule announced that the notices would be served on the affected officials within seven days, in line with constitutional provisions.