The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Wike

  • Organisers of pro-Tinubu, Wike’s rally vow to proceed

    Organisers of pro-Tinubu, Wike’s rally vow to proceed

    The New Associates (TNA) has vowed to go ahead with its mega rally in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Chief Nyesom Wike.

    Bayelsa Governor, Douye Diri had warned the organisers, saying he would not let them hold the event.

    The group insisted the mega-rally was in honour of President Tinubu and Wike.

    The lead convener of the event and leader, TNA Bayelsa chapter, George Turner, said the group was poised to make a bold statement of solidarity and appreciation to President Tinubu and Wike for their invaluable contributions to Bayelsa State through human capital development in terms of appointments.

    He said the key appointees  to be celebrated were  Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission( NDDC), Dr Sam Ogbuku and the Minister of State, Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.

     Turnah observed that Tinubu and Wike had facilitated the appointment of prominent Bayelsans into positions of authority in the Federal Government.

    He said that through the appointments, credible people from Bayelsa had been empowered to also contribute their quota to the development of Bayelsa, Niger Delta and the country.

    Turnah said: “The group will hold a grand inauguration ceremony and mega rally to express its gratitude for the appointment of notable Bayelsa sons and daughters into key positions in the Federal Government of Nigeria.

     ‘’This event is a proof to the group’s appreciation for the President’s and Minister’s efforts in empowering Bayelsa indigenes.

    ‘’The inauguration and mega rally promise to be a vibrant celebration of unity, progress, and recognition of the contributions of Bayelsa’s finest to the nation’s growth and development.

     Turnah said  that the groups’ intentions were noble and a demonstration of the appreciative spirit of the Ijaw man.

  • Wike knocks Atiku over choice of running mate in 2023

    Wike knocks Atiku over choice of running mate in 2023

    Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has denied claim by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, that the committee set up by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to select its Vice Presidential candidate in the 2023 election rated former Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as its first choice.

    Wike, who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, said it was unfortunate that Atiku, could not respect the Holy Month of Ramadan and avoid telling lies. 

    He asked how a committee will present the person who had two votes as first choice as against the person who had 13 votes.

    Atiku had said; “So in 2023, I told the party to set up a committee to recommend three names. The committee ranked Okowa as the top choice, with Wike in second place and former Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel in third. So I picked number one”.

    Reacting, the FCT Minister’s spokesperson said in a statement on Saturday that it became necessary to put the records straight and debunk Atiku’s lies, insisting that “Wike never put himself forward to be Atiku’s running mate then, Atiku did by himself, and he (Wike) accepted his offer with conditions.”

    Olayinka said it was a fact that in the committee report,  Wike had 13 votes while Okowa had two.

    According to him: “The committee set up by the PDP picked Wike as Atiku’s running mate, but for reasons best known to him, he settled for Okowa, who had two votes from the committee members. That’s the truth Atiku should tell and stand with, not trying to colour his decision with falsehood.”

    Olayinka, who noted that, for devout Muslims, the period of Ramadan is that of holiness, said “Al-Bukhaari (1903, 6057) quoted Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) as saying that Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said: ‘Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, and ignorance, Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) has no need of him giving up his food and drink.’

    He stated:  “Unfortunate, Atiku chose to tell lies so brazenly during the holy month of Ramadan, obviously forgetting that Allah (SWT) do not hearken to the prayers of liars, probably the reason he (Atiku) has continually failed in his desperation to be president of Nigeria”.

    While advising Atiku, to always be honest to stand by his decisions, Olayinka said the FCT Minister was no longer interested in what happened and what did not happen concerning the 2023 presidential election.

    “Like I said earlier,  Wike has no regret for Atiku not picking him as his running mate and he also has no regret taking the position he took concerning the presidential election,” he said. 

  • Gov Diri’s security concern baseless, says Wike’s aide

    Gov Diri’s security concern baseless, says Wike’s aide

    Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri has been cautioned to face the serious business of governance and stop raising baseless security alarm over a mega rally in support of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. 

    Diri said the Minister would have informed security agencies if he was going to attend any rally.

    The FCT Minister’s Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, who reacted to claim by the Bayelsa Governor that “a mega rally and inauguration of a group loyal to the FCT Minister, was being planned to hold in the State,” said: “That the alarm is shamefully baseless!

    Olayinka said: ” It is so unfortunate that a Governor with all the security apparatus available to him could go on national television on mere suspicion of people planning a rally, which is their rights to hold”.

    He said Nigerians are free to express their support for anyone, anywhere and anytime, asking; “Is this how much the governor is afraid of Wike? Can the governor stop people from holding rallies in the State if they want to?”

    Read Also: Wike’s political group prepares for Tinubu’s mega rally in Bayelsa 

    Olayinka said if the FCT Minister was going to attend any political rally in Bayelsa State or anywhere,  he would inform security agencies by himself and his involvement will be seen because he is not afraid of anything. 

    He noted that it was ridiculous that a Governor had to call Security Council and Bayelsa Elders Council meetings to discuss issue of suspicion of people planning a rally for Wike, asking; “Is this how childish governance in Bayelsa State has become? Must he use Wike as cover up for his failure in governance and politics?”

    Speaking further, Olayinka said it was funny that Governor Diri did not remember that Bayelsa was not Rivers State or FCT, when he was running after Wike, seeking support for his reelection.  

    “When he was seeking reelection, this same Diri was brought to Wike, like a thief in the night. He was brought by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Lokpobiri. David Lyon came with him then.

    “As he was kneeling down, begging Wike to support him, he (Wike) was telling him, ‘No, don’t do that, you’re a governor, don’t do that.’

    “Shamefully, the same Wike has now become someone he goes about disparaging, just to cover up his inadequacies. So obvious that some people don’t have conscience and its unfortunate”.

  • Wike’s political group prepares for Tinubu’s mega rally in Bayelsa 

    Wike’s political group prepares for Tinubu’s mega rally in Bayelsa 

    The New Associates formed by  Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike is mobilising for a mega-rally in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital to drum support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The NEW Associates said that the event would also be an opportunity to inaugurate the group in Bayelsa and unveil its officials.

    The acronym NEW represents the first letters of the Minister’s name, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

    The organisers of the mega rally said besides drumming up support for President Tinubu, they would use the event express appreciation and solidarity with Wike.

    One of the organisers and former Spokesman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide,  Ebilade Ekerefe, said that the group had been activated in Bayelsa to galvanise support for President Tinubu in the rural communities.

    Ekerefe said that Wike had been a good leader, who deserved to be celebrated for his honesty, bluntness, and good leadership.

    Read Also: Wike confident of completion of projects ahead Tinubu’s second anniversary

    He said as the country moved gradually towards the 2027 election, there was a need to mobilise Southsouth youths to support the President.

     He explained the group was created by Wike as a mobilisation platform for the President’s re-election.

    Ekerefe said part of the strategies to be adopted by the group was to showcase projects the President Tinubu’s administration initiated in the Southsouth geo-political zone.

     He said the goal was to ensure the people of Southsouth were enlightened on the achievements of the current administration of President Tinubu and support his re-election.

     He said: ‘’The New Associates is a grassroots-based political movement set in motion by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to mobilise grassroots support across the states of the South- South geo-political zone for the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office come 2027″.

  • Wike confident of completion of projects ahead Tinubu’s second anniversary

    Wike confident of completion of projects ahead Tinubu’s second anniversary

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has declared the administration doesn’t foresee any obstacles to the inauguration of the projects lined up for the celebration of the second year anniversary of President Bola Tinubu. 

    Wike, said this during an inspection tour of ongoing road construction and rehabilitation of projects in FCT.

    The inspection covered the rehabilitation of the Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC), the development of Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way) and its interchanges, and the Arterial Road N16 and access roads to the Judges Quarters in Katampe District. 

    The Minister expressed profound satisfaction with the progress and quality of work observed across all sites.

    He conveyed confidence in the timely completion of the ICC rehabilitation by Julius Berger, anticipating its re-opening by May. 

    The FCT Minister also emphasised the economic significance of the ICC’s rehabilitation, outlining plans for its sustainable operation and management.


    Addressing the previous state of disrepair, the Minister stressed the commitment to a robust maintenance contract with Julius Berger post-rehabilitation, ensuring the facility’s long-term upkeep and economic viability.


    According to him, the FCTA will be inaugurating several projects both in the city and satellite towns of Abuja, as part of the activities to mark the second year of Tinubu’s administration.

    Dismissing the possibility of contractors failing to complete some of the projects designated for marking the second year of Tinubu in office, the Minister said: “I have never been disappointed in my life, and I don’t see failure. I welcome challenges, and I believe that’s what we’re here for is to tackle and overcome them. 

    “So, for now, we don’t foresee any obstacles. And with that, we will stop here, as we will proceed with the inauguration of the projects. We have seen the massive work being done in the international community, and apart from the activities we’ve been doing, this project will attract a lot of economic activities. 

    “However, we want to ensure that it’s no longer business as usual. We’ve had issues in the past where projects were mismanaged, and we’re trying to avoid that. When we complete this project (ICC), we plan to have a maintenance contract with Julius Berger, where we’ll pay them to maintain the facility. 

    “One of the problems we face in our society is the lack of maintenance culture, which is very bad. We need to ensure that our facilities are well-maintained so that they can continue to serve their purpose. We’re hoping that this project will attract a lot of economic activities and become a hub for international events.”

    He continued: “By the grace of God by May, that International Conference Center will come back to life to be inaugurated by Mr. President as part of the second-year anniversary.  I’m happy that the contractor has committed itself to saying that that will be done”.

  • Set up committee to reconcile Wike, Fubara, Ikwerre begs Tinubu 

    Set up committee to reconcile Wike, Fubara, Ikwerre begs Tinubu 

    The umbrella body of the Ikwerre ethnic nationality, the Ikwerre People’s Congress (IPC) Worldwide, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to set up a committee to reconcile the political dispute between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Chief Nyesom Wike and suspended Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    IPC, in a statement by its chairman, Livingstone Wechie;  Vice-Chairman, Ihunwo Obi-Wali and Secretary-General, Stanley Nworgu, said the committee should be high powered with members drawn from eminent leaders and stakeholders.

    “This is with a view to immediately restore the democratic order in Rivers state in the best interest of Nigeria and for the better legacy of President Bola Tinubu”, the statement said.

    The group said it was concerned about the dismantling of the democratic structure in the state, saying it had given the state a bad image.

    The statement said: ” Mr. President, the message you sent has been passed through your intervention but Rivers people must not suffer a shortlived democracy for any reason because we have paid our dues despite this political imbroglio.

    The IPac said it disagreed with the President over the constitutional justification of the suspension of the Governor and the Rivers State House of Assembly.

    Read Also: Wike receives torch of unity ahead of Ogun 2025

    ” We believe that Mr. President is motivated by the aspiration of Nigerians on this matter and that he is committed to take steps to solve than escalate the matter. It is doubtless that we did not bargain for this unfortunate development and the innocent populace in Rivers should not be punished for it as in this circumstance.

    “Whereas as a people we are unhappy with the unwarranted political feud among the two sides, Ikwerre people are worried about the false image now created about our dear state which has now led to serious capital flights, fears of uncertainty among citizens, loss of investors confidence among others.

    “Rivers people are very desperate to have their democratic rights restored so they can enjoy the liberty of the democracy the voted for that should be accountable to the masses. All we want is a government we can call our own”.

  • Group debunks claims linking Justice Agim to Wike’s UNICAL convocation visit

    Group debunks claims linking Justice Agim to Wike’s UNICAL convocation visit

    The Coalition for Judicial Integrity and Accountability (CJIA) has dismissed as false and malicious the reports suggesting that Justice Emmanuel Agim of the Supreme Court accompanied Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to the University of Calabar (UNICAL) convocation ceremony on Saturday, March 22, 2025.

    Following an independent investigation, the CJIA concluded that the allegations were baseless and part of a deliberate attempt to drag the judiciary into political controversies. 

    The group cautioned that such misinformation could undermine public confidence in the judicial system.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, CJIA’s Executive Director, Dr. Umaru Bako, condemned the false claims, emphasizing that Justice Agim attended the UNICAL event solely as an award recipient and not as part of any political entourage.

    “It is deeply concerning that some elements are working tirelessly to undermine public confidence in the judiciary by spreading falsehoods that seek to associate Supreme Court justices with politically exposed individuals at a time of heightened tensions in Rivers State. This is a dangerous and calculated move aimed at discrediting the credibility of the Supreme Court at a time when the nation looks up to it for impartial justice,” Bako stated.

    Read Also: Justice Agim didn’t accompany Wike to UNICAL’s convocation – Supreme Court

    “The facts are clear—he attended the convocation as an award recipient, not as a member of any political delegation. Those pushing this narrative are acting in bad faith.

    “It is alarming that each time a Supreme Court justice is seen in a public setting, some political elements try to twist the story to fit their agenda. This must stop. The judiciary must not be dragged into political mudslinging by those who wish to manipulate public sentiment against it.”

    The CJIA emphasized that attempts to entangle judicial officers in political controversies threaten the integrity of the nation’s legal system.

    “The judiciary remains the last hope of the common man, and no amount of blackmail will diminish its standing in our democracy. Justice Agim, like his colleagues on the bench, must not be dragged into political conspiracies by those seeking to score cheap points,” Bako added.

    Calling for responsible journalism, the group urged media platforms to verify their information before publication, stressing that false narratives about the judiciary weaken democratic institutions.

  • Wike distributes 10, 000 bags of rice to religion bodies, others

    Wike distributes 10, 000 bags of rice to religion bodies, others

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, yesterday distributed 10,000 bags of 25kg rice to representatives of Muslim religious bodies, associations, groups and special needs schools.

    Wike, represented by his Chief of Staff, Chidi Amadi, during the distribution in Gwagwalada, Abuja emphasized the significance of giving, particularly during Ramadan, a season marked by fasting, prayer, and almsgiving.

    Amadi, who noted that the distribution was a reflection of Wike’s commitment to supporting religious communities and the needy in the FCT, urged religious leaders to ensure that the food items reach those who need them the most.

    He said: “Any opportunity to give is an opportunity to express gratitude to God Almighty. Ramadan is a sacred time for our Muslim brothers, and the Minister recognizes the importance of almsgiving as a key aspect of this season,

    “The Minister has provided over 10,000 bags of rice to be distributed among various Muslim leaders, associations, and groups. This initiative ensures that the less privileged have something to break their fast with. I urge all beneficiaries to distribute the items responsibly, reaching out to those in genuine need”.

    Read Also: I have no link to any militant group, says Fubara

    Amadi also encouraged corporate and Non-governmental Organizations to follow suit in assisting the needy during this period, highlighting Wike’s dedication to engaging with religious communities and supporting the vulnerable.

    “This initiative exemplifies the Minister’s empathy and concern for the less privileged. As the Ramadan season emphasizes prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, this is his way of identifying with the religious community in the FCT,” he explained.

    The Director of Protocol FCTA, Malam Sani Musa Daura, stated that the Minister’s gesture was aimed at ensuring that those observing the fast had adequate provisions for breaking it.

    The Principal of the School for the Deaf, Alhaji Abdulrazzaq Surajo Ademola, expressed deep gratitude, noting that the donation would help mitigate the impact of rising food prices, especially for vulnerable groups.

    “We are very grateful for this kind gesture. The Honorable Minister has shown true leadership and compassion. His support for educational institutions, particularly those catering to special needs children, is commendable. This donation comes at a crucial time when food prices are high, and it will greatly benefit those in need,” Ademola stated.

  • Justice Agim didn’t accompany Wike to UNICAL’s convocation – Supreme Court

    Justice Agim didn’t accompany Wike to UNICAL’s convocation – Supreme Court

    The Supreme Court has faulted media reports that one of its judicial officers, Justice Emmanuel Agim, accompanied the Minister of rte Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike to the recently held convocation ceremony of the University of Calabar.

    In a statement on Monday, Supreme Court’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Festus Akandr said Justice Agim was at the event as an honouree.

    The statement reads: “In light of the reports circulating on social media and other news platforms, we wish to clarify the circumstances surrounding the attendance of Hon. Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim of the Supreme Court of Nigeria at the convocation ceremony of the University of Calabar on Saturday, 22nd March, 2025.

    “It has come to our attention that misleading information has emerged, suggesting that Hon. Justice Emmanuel Agim accompanied the Hon. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike to the ceremony. We hereby dispel this false narrative.

    Read Also: Climate crisis no excuse to privatise public water, says Water Justice Coalition

    “Hon. Justice Agim attended the convocation as an esteemed honouree and an alumnus of the institution, whom the Governing Council had found worthy to be conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law (Doctor Honoris Causa).  

    “He was recognized for his significant contributions to the legal profession; which is a reflection of his commitment to justice, integrity, and the rule of law, serving as a model for aspiring legal professionals and students alike.

    “Hon. Justice Agim was scheduled to attend the burial ceremony of Hon. Justice Stanley Alagoa alongside other Hon. Justices of the Supreme Court in Bayelsa State but sought permission to go for the convocation ceremony.

    “We wish to emphasize that Justice Emmanuel Agim’s participation at the ceremony was independent and not as an official representative of any government ministry or department, let alone accompanying any serving or retired government official. Any insinuation to the contrary is not only inaccurate but undermines the judicial independence that is crucial to our democracy.

    “We encourage the public and media to verify information through credible sources before sharing or publishing to prevent the spread of misinformation.”

  • Wike distributes 10,000 bags of rice

    Wike distributes 10,000 bags of rice

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has distributed 10,000 bags of 25kg rice to representatives of Muslim religious bodies, associations, groups and special needs schools.

    Wike, represented by his Chief of Staff, Chidi Amadi, during the distribution in Gwagwalada, Abuja emphasised the significance of giving, particularly during Ramadan, a season marked by fasting, prayer, and almsgiving.

    Amadi, who noted the distribution was a reflection of Wike’s commitment to supporting religious communities and the needy in the FCT, urged religious leaders to ensure that the food items reach those who need them the most.

    Read Also: PDP crisis: I’m victim of proxy war against Wike, says Anyanwu

    He said: “Any opportunity to give is an opportunity to express gratitude to God Almighty. Ramadan is a sacred time for our Muslim brothers, and the Honorable Minister recognizes the importance of almsgiving as a key aspect of this season,

    “The Minister has provided over 10,000 bags of rice to be distributed among various Muslim leaders, associations, and groups. This initiative ensures that the less privileged have something to break their fast with. I urge all beneficiaries to distribute the items responsibly, reaching out to those in genuine need”.

    Amadi also encouraged corporate and Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) to follow suit in assisting the needy during this period, highlighting Wike’s dedication to engaging with religious communities and supporting the vulnerable.