The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has refuted claims suggesting that certain power brokers are exerting influence over President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“He has shown that he has the courage. Under Tinubu, there is nothing like cabal. This is a president that is in charge,” Wike said at the 2025 OAU Distinguished Personality Lecture in Ile-Ife, the Osun State capital, on Thursday.
Wike, a lawyer and former Governor of Rivers State, delivered the keynote address at the event.
The Minister highlighted that none of Nigeria’s former Presidents, including Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, had the boldness to remove the petrol subsidy or unify the foreign exchange rates.
He emphasized that, without Tinubu’s decisive action, many individuals would still be benefiting from the fraudulent subsidy system.
Acknowledging Nigeria’s underperformance over six decades of independence and the nation’s deepening fault lines, Wike expressed optimism that Nigeria could still achieve greatness if the proper governance structures are implemented.
He underscored the importance of rebuilding trust and strengthening the bonds of unity in diversity as essential steps for Nigeria’s progress.
He said the desired Nigeria won’t fall from heaven but will require the vision, sacrifice, hard work and purpose of all citizens. “Let us leave for the next generation resolves and not regrets,” he said, urging all Nigerians to be committed to the nation’s building.
The politician criticized his detractors who have called for his removal as minister, describing their claims of his incapacity to deliver as unfounded.
He reiterated that ground rent debtors in Abuja must settle their outstanding debts, asserting that doing so would not result in any dire consequences.
The event was graced by notable dignitaries, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; and former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, among others.