Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is firmly in control of his administration, dismissing widespread claims of a cabal-driven government.
According to a report from the 2025 Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Distinguished Personality Lecture, Wike told the audience in Ile-Ife that the president’s decisions reflect independence and courage, not external influence.
“He has shown that he has the courage. Under Tinubu, there is nothing like cabal. This is a president that is in charge,” Wike stated.
The former Rivers State governor used the platform to defend Tinubu’s early decisions, especially his economic policies. Wike cited the controversial removal of fuel subsidies and the move to unify Nigeria’s exchange rates as examples of bold reforms other past leaders had failed to make.
Wike said, “So many people would still be benefiting from fuel subsidy fraud had Tinubu not removed it,” adding that such decisions were essential for correcting long-standing economic issues.
Speaking to academics and guests, the minister said previous administrations under Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan hesitated to implement similar changes due to political sensitivity. He argued that Tinubu’s actions mark a break from that trend.
The minister also acknowledged the country’s lingering social and economic challenges. He emphasized that Nigeria’s progress depends not just on leaders but on citizens embracing responsibility and shared vision.
“The desired Nigeria won’t fall from heaven but will require the vision, sacrifice, hard work, and purpose of all citizens,” he said.
Addressing calls for his resignation, Wike stood firm, saying he remains committed to his duties and questioned the competence of those pushing for his removal.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
