President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed that he jokingly warned Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, that he could lose his position if his policies did not align with the political interests of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a Sallah homage led by Wike and a delegation of FCT residents, Tinubu recalled a conversation where the minister sought approval to exempt the FCT from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to facilitate infrastructure development.
“I remember the day Nyesom Wike came to me and said, ‘Please, take us out of this problem of Treasury Single Account (TSA) so that I can do more work and achieve more,’” Tinubu recounted.
Balancing Development and Politics
The President noted that while Wike made a compelling case, he responded with a political consideration:
“And he presented it, and I threw in my own political guide: ‘Would that give me any opportunity for my party (APC) to win the election in FCT?’ I said, ‘I know where you are coming from your own party (PDP) or my party. If this thing goes too much in your favour, you will lose your job.’ Then he said, ‘Okay, we settle that, Oga.’”
Despite their political differences, Tinubu commended Wike’s efforts in transforming the FCT, particularly in infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
Key Achievements Under Wike’s Leadership
Tinubu highlighted several milestones under Wike’s administration, including:
- Revitalization of the long-abandoned Vice President’s residence.
- Rehabilitation and upgrading of healthcare facilities across the FCT.
- Improvements in school infrastructure and teacher welfare programs.
Expressing gratitude for the minister’s contributions, Tinubu concluded, “Thank you, Wike.”
Governance Amid Political Strategy
The President’s remarks reflect the intersection of governance and political strategy, emphasizing the need for policy alignment with party objectives.
While Wike remains a prominent member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), his collaboration with the APC-led administration continues to fuel political debate.
