Wike speaks bluntly on Abuja, Fubara, PDP’s future in media chat
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, earlier today, held a wide-ranging media chat aired live on TVC, where he tackled key national issues including constitutional debates surrounding the FCT, his rift with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, internal challenges within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the legacy of late banking magnate Herbert Wigwe. He also expressed gratitude to First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her support.
Wike clarified that the Supreme Court’s ruling granting the FCT the “status of a state” pertains solely to electoral processes, not fiscal entitlements or administrative autonomy.
He emphasized that the FCT does not receive direct allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) but only gets one percent of the federal government’s share.
He also criticized misinterpretations by some media platforms, particularly Arise News, accusing them of pushing false narratives for political purposes. “The FCT is not a state in the full sense,” Wike insisted.
Reacting to recent calls for a House of Assembly in the FCT, Wike dismissed the proposal as constitutionally flawed. “Let those proposing the bill read the Supreme Court judgment carefully,” he said.
The Minister also took the opportunity to praise First Lady Remi Tinubu for her role in his ministerial appointment and her commitment to national development. However, he sharply criticized Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing him of sponsoring protests against the First Lady despite seeking political reconciliation with President Tinubu.
“You can’t be begging the President and embarrassing his wife,” Wike said.
In a heartfelt moment, Wike recounted a personal conversation with the late Herbert Wigwe, former Group CEO of Access Bank. He said he once asked Wigwe what he planned to do for Rivers State. Two weeks later, Wigwe returned with a bold commitment: to build a university in Isiokpo, his hometown.
Wike said Wigwe expressed concerns about the poor state of roads leading to the area. “I assured him I would fix the roads,” Wike said. “And I did all the roads to Isiokpo.”
Speaking on the state of his party, Wike confirmed that he and seven PDP governors, along with party elders, met to address the growing cracks within the opposition. A seven-member reconciliation committee led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki has been set up ahead of the NEC meeting scheduled for May 27.
“If we don’t confront selfishness in the party, there may be nothing left of the PDP by 2027,” Wike warned.
Wike closed his media chat with a call for integrity in leadership, reminding public office holders to serve with vision and honor. He praised Wigwe’s legacy and urged others in the private sector to emulate his selfless investments in national development.
