KEY POINTS

• Wike says only President Tinubu has the authority to remove him as FCT minister

• He dismisses critics during a thank you visit to his Obio Akpor base in Rivers State

• The remarks come amid deepening political tension linked to the Rivers crisis

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike says that only President Bola Tinubu can fire him. This is in response to critics who want him to resign.

Wike spoke on Sunday during a thank-you visit to the Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, which is his political stronghold. Supporters came out to greet him despite the state’s ongoing political tension.

He said that the president made the appointment and that only the president could decide when he was no longer needed. He said that public anger or political pressure from opponents does not decide who stays in the cabinet and who leaves.

Wike told his supporters not to be distracted by what he called “noise” from critics. He said that performance, not feelings, is what matters in public office.

Minister defends record in Abuja

Wike told the crowd that people in Rivers State should be proud of what he has done in Abuja, saying that his leadership of the Federal Capital Territory has not let Nigerians down.

He said that people who do poorly are often ignored, and that criticism is usually aimed at those who are active and visible. Wike said that the work he has done in the FCT speaks for itself and has won the support of his people.

The minister said he is still sure that his work is helping the country grow and that he doesn’t feel threatened by calls for his removal.

Wike’s comments come at a time when Rivers State is going through a serious political crisis. In recent weeks, public debate has been dominated by tensions between rival political groups.

Even though he is now a member of the federal cabinet, the former governor of Rivers is still a key player in the state’s politics. Some people support him, while others criticize him.

People say that the renewed calls for him to be fired are closely linked to the political changes that are happening in Rivers and to his continued power in the state and at the national level.

Wike has said many times that he is not worried about political pressure. As minister of the Federal Capital Territory, his main goals are to be loyal to President Tinubu and get things done.