Indications have emerged that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT). Nyesom Wike’s absence from the National Council of State meeting may be linked to the Presidency’s reported decision to suspend his regular monthly media briefings as Minister of the FCT.
It was gathered that the meeting, which had in attendance former Nigerian leaders, state governors, and former Chief Justices of the Federation, was represented on behalf of the FCT by Mariya Mahmoud, the Minister of State.
The hybrid meeting had former Military Presidents in attendance, including Ibrahim Babangida and AbdulSalami Abubakar, who joined virtually. The meeting was also attended by Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state, amongst all the other Governors.
It was gathered from reliable source at the Presidential Villa, that Wike was stopped from holding the monthly press briefings, due to the growing concerns over the controversies and huge public disaffections generated by his regular briefings.
The Presidency said the decision was taken after a thorough assessment of the current political situation ahead of the 2027 general election.
“Some government officials have been expressing unease over Wike’s media sessions and the utterances. Aside from the increasing disaffections, Wike’s confrontational posture is seen as bringing negative publicity to the President, because of the threats and inflammatory statements.
“Wike is doing very well with infrastructures development in the FCT, and the President is pleased with his achievements so far; but these briefings have become a source of negative publicity for him and by extension, for Mr. President too”, said the source.
The source, who does not want his name in print, however denied any love-lost between the FCT Minister and President Tinubu. He, however, expressed the fear that if not checked, Wike’s outbursts, especially towards the nation’s elders, could further heighten political crises, cause hatred for the President and may lead to further distractions.
Wike is said to be piling pressure on the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, for a review of the ban.
Observers say this may have been largely responsible for Wike’s inability to hold the briefing done regularly within the first week of the month, precisely on the 2nd of every month.
