Only Tinubu can sack me, not critics — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed calls for his removal from office, insisting that only President Bola Tinubu, who appointed him, has the authority to sack him.

Wike also asserted that political power is not given but earned through strength and strategic action, describing Obio/Akpor Local Government Area as a critical political force in Rivers State.

He spoke on Sunday during a thank-you visit to Obio/Akpor, where he met with party leaders, traditional rulers, women, and youths.

The visit was part of his ongoing tour of the state’s 23 local government areas to appreciate residents for their support during the 2023 general elections and to seek continued backing for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.

Addressing the gathering, Wike said politics should be driven by interest rather than emotion.

“There is no sentiment or emotion in politics. Politics is about interest—the interest of your people. Power is not given; it is struggled for,” he said.

Using an international example, the former Rivers State governor added, “If Donald Trump did not have power, would he go to Venezuela to pick a president? No. It is because he has power that he can act.”

Wike stressed the political relevance of Obio/Akpor, noting that no governor or senator from Rivers East has emerged without the area’s backing.

“For the people of Obio/Akpor, we have the power to determine who becomes governor.

“Those talking from the sidelines should ask themselves whether a local government that produced 5,000 votes can challenge one that delivered 40 per cent of the votes,” he said.

He warned political opponents against underestimating the area’s influence, saying votes would be used to “punish” those who attack its leadership.

On calls for his sack, Wike was unequivocal.

“Don’t bother about people saying ‘sack him.’ If my appointor believes I no longer have anything to offer, he has the right to act. It is not for critics to decide,” he said, adding that he remains proud of his performance in the FCT.

Earlier, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Gift Worlu, praised Wike’s political stature, describing him as a valuable asset to the council, Rivers State, and the country.

He lauded Wike’s record as council chairman, chief of staff, governor, and minister, and reaffirmed the council’s loyalty to him.

Worlu also declared support for President Tinubu ahead of 2027 and hinted at opposition to any move seen as disloyal in the Rivers governorship race.

Similarly, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, pledged the legislature’s support for Wike and President Tinubu, urging the minister to ignore his detractors.

The visit comes amid heightened political tension in Rivers State.

On Thursday, the Amaewhule-led Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, over allegations of gross misconduct.

The Majority Leader, Major Jack, presented a notice signed by 26 lawmakers, accusing the governor of extra-budgetary spending of over ₦800 billion without legislative approval, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, demolishing the Assembly complex, and disobeying Supreme Court rulings on legislative autonomy. Separate allegations were also levelled against the deputy governor.

Amaewhule said the notices would be served on the affected officials within seven days, in line with constitutional provisions.

The latest development signals a renewed escalation in the long-running political crisis in Rivers State, which followed the fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike.

Previous impeachment efforts in 2023 and 2025 were stalled by presidential interventions, while President Tinubu at one point declared a state of emergency in the state.