Abuja, FCT – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has publicly clarified the reason behind his recent absence from the Council of State meeting, where Professor Joash Amupitan was nominated as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking on Tuesday during the commissioning of Access Roads in Sector Centre B, Dakibiyu District, Abuja, Minister Wike dismissed reports suggesting he deliberately shunned the high-profile gathering due to his preferred nominee being overlooked. He labelled such reports as “unnecessary propaganda and blackmail.”
Wike explained that his non-attendance was due to prior official commitments and that he ensured the FCT was represented.
“Sometime last week, Thursday, we had a flag off, and I told the Minister of State, FCT, to represent me at the Council of State meeting,” Wike stated. “I had already informed Mr. President that I would not be available because of other engagements we had already put in place. And so, the Honourable Minister of State represented the FCT in that meeting.”
The Minister reiterated his unwavering commitment to supporting the administration of President Bola Tinubu, urging the public to disregard attempts to politicize his official duties. The explanation aims to quell the political speculations that followed the crucial nomination process.
