Wike Explains Absence from Council of State Meeting, Dismisses Claims of Rift with Tinubu
Nyesom Wike has debunked claims that he boycotted the recent Council of State meeting.
He said he delegated Minister Mariya Mahmoud to attend due to prior official engagements in Abuja.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has clarified the reason for his absence from the recent Council of State meeting where Professor Joash Amupitan was nominated as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking on Tuesday during the commissioning of access roads in Sector Centre B, Dakibiyu District, Abuja, Wike said he delegated the Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, to attend the meeting on his behalf because of other official commitments already scheduled.
He described reports suggesting that he boycotted the meeting in protest over the INEC appointment as false and misleading.
“Last Thursday, we had a flag-off ceremony, and I told the Minister of State to represent me at the Council of State meeting,” Wike explained. “I had already informed Mr President that I would not be available because of earlier engagements. So, she represented the FCT in that meeting. People should stop spreading unnecessary propaganda and blackmail.”
The minister was reacting to media claims, particularly from Sahara Reporters, that his relationship with President Bola Tinubu had soured, leading to his alleged refusal to attend the meeting. The report also claimed Wike pushed for another nominee, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman, to be considered for the INEC position.
Wike dismissed the report, saying his focus remains on delivering visible results for the President and residents of the FCT.
“I work for Mr President. His goal has always been to move this country in the right direction,” he said. “When you begin to deliver, your achievements will speak for you and silence all critics. Today, they have nothing left to say.”
The former Rivers State governor also commended President Tinubu’s leadership style, crediting it for the progress made by the FCT Administration.
“When you have the right leadership, you achieve the right results,” he added. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown the right leadership. The achievements being recorded in the FCT are because of his guidance and support.”
The Council of State meeting, held on October 9, saw members endorse Professor Amupitan as INEC Chairman.
