The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has clarified that his absence from the recent Council of State meeting—where Prof. Joash Amupitan was nominated as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)—was approved by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking on Tuesday during the commissioning of access roads in Sector Centre B, Dakibiyu District, Abuja, Wike addressed media reports claiming he deliberately boycotted the meeting over the rejection of his preferred nominee.
“Last Thursday, we had a project flag-off, and I informed the President in advance that I wouldn’t be available for the Council of State meeting. I asked the Minister of State, FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, to represent me,” Wike explained.
He dismissed speculation that his absence was due to dissatisfaction with Amupitan’s nomination, describing such reports as “unfounded propaganda and blackmail.”
“The claim that I didn’t attend because my nominee wasn’t picked is false. We must stop spreading unnecessary propaganda. I work for Mr. President, and his decisions always prioritize the country’s interests,” Wike stated.
There had been rumours that Wike had lobbied for Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman of the Court of Appeal for the INEC role—a claim he also denied.
“When you start delivering, your achievements will silence all critics. Today, they have nothing left to say,” he added.
Wike also praised President Tinubu’s leadership, attributing recent progress in the FCT to the President’s support.
“With the right leadership, you get results. Mr. President has provided that leadership, and that’s why people are seeing what we’ve achieved in the FCT,” he concluded.
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