News
Quick Read
The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has explained why he visited the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, saying the meeting was personal and not political.
The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has explained why he visited the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, saying the meeting was personal and not political.
Wike visited Yilwatda at his home in Abuja on Tuesday.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday while inspecting road projects in Karu, Apo-Karshi, and Kubwa, Wike said people should not attach political meaning to the visit. He said politicians from different parties can still maintain good relationships.
According to him, they had known each other before Yilwatda became APC chairman.
“We were colleagues before he became APC chairman. Should I now hide whenever I see him? Or should he run away from me because people may talk?” Wike asked.
He also said the visit was a way of returning Yilwatda’s earlier efforts to see him, adding that the APC chairman had visited his office several times without meeting him.
Wike dismissed criticism over the lack of an official statement after the meeting. He said he does not owe the public explanations about his personal friendships or private meetings.
The former Rivers State governor, who is still a member of the Peoples Democratic Party despite serving in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, said people should be free to associate with anyone regardless of political party differences.
He warned Nigerians against turning ordinary social visits into political issues, stressing that his main concern is delivering development projects in the Federal Capital Territory.
“What matters to me is the work I’m doing for the people,” Wike said.
He added that his focus is on satisfying the president who appointed him and completing infrastructure projects in the FCT, rather than worrying about public opinions or speculations.
