The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports that he deliberately boycotted last week’s Council of State meeting, clarifying that his absence was approved by President Bola Tinubu.

Wike made the clarification during the commissioning of the Access Roads in Sector Centre B, Dakibiyu District, Abuja.

He said: “On Thursday, we had a flag-off event, and I told the Minister of State, FCT, to represent me at the Council of State meeting. I had already informed Mr President that I would not be available due to prior engagements.”

The minister described media reports alleging that he stayed away in protest over the appointment of a new Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, as false and mischievous.
“We must be careful with unnecessary propaganda and blackmail. They claimed I didn’t attend because my nominee wasn’t chosen. That is untrue,” he said.

Wike reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu, stressing that his record of project delivery in the FCT speaks for itself.
“I work for Mr President. His judgement has always been focused on putting Nigeria on the right path. When you deliver results, critics are silenced. Today, they have nothing else to say,” he added.

The minister also commended President Tinubu for providing effective leadership that has enabled the FCT Administration to achieve notable results.
“When you have the right leadership, you achieve the right results. President Tinubu has shown that kind of leadership, and that’s why people are talking about our achievements,” Wike said.