Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has denied claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu operates under the influence of powerful advisers, asserting instead that the president maintains full control over his government’s direction.
Speaking at Thursday’s 2025 Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Distinguished Personality Lecture at Ile-Ife, Wike defended the president’s leadership approach.
“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.
During his address to the academic community and distinguished guests at the university event, the former Rivers State governor praised President Tinubu’s willingness to make difficult economic decisions.
Wike, the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, emphasized that previous Nigerian leaders, including Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, had avoided implementing controversial but necessary economic measures like eliminating fuel subsidies and consolidating exchange rates.
“So many people would still be benefiting from fuel subsidy fraud had Tinubu not removed it,” the minister stated, defending what he described as a necessary step in sanitising Nigeria’s economic structure.
The minister acknowledged Nigeria’s struggles since independence, noting visible divisions within the country while maintaining hope for the nation’s future through proper leadership and citizen commitment.
“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 to resolve and not regret,” he charged.
Wike also addressed critics calling for his resignation, reaffirming his dedication to completing his assigned responsibilities and questioning the judgment of those who doubt his capabilities.
