FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has dismissed criticisms over his recent visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, insisting he does not subscribe to what he calls 'politics of enmity.' Speaking during an inspection of road projects in the FCT, Wike said his interaction with the APC chairman was a personal and professional engagement that should not attract political controversy. He maintained that individuals are free to associate across party lines, stressing that political affiliation should not lead to hostility among public office holders.
Wike's Response to Critics
'That is their business. Whatever they think is their business, it’s their headache,' Wike said, reacting to public speculations. 'When the former chairman of the Labour Party visited me in my house, what were they thinking? I don’t play politics of enmity. I don’t do that.' He explained that Yilwatda had made several unsuccessful attempts to meet him officially before he decided to visit the APC chairman at his residence. According to him, the meeting should not be interpreted beyond normal human and political relationships.
Private Interactions Should Not Be Politicized
The minister also dismissed suggestions that he owed the public details of the engagement. 'Did I go there for any meeting? Why would I tell you about my private life? If I come to visit you to have a drink with you, should I tell the whole world that I’m going there to have a drink with you?' he asked. He further faulted the notion that politicians from rival parties must avoid one another in public. Wike recalled that both he and Yilwatda had previously served together in government before the latter became APC national chairman. 'We were all colleagues before he left for the chairmanship of APC. So what should I do? If I see him, I should hide? And if he sees me, he should run away so people will not say something?' he said.
Focus on Delivering Results
The former Rivers State governor insisted that his focus remains on delivering results in the FCT rather than responding to political conjectures. 'What’s important to me is what I’m doing for my people, my job that is assigned to me to do. It is not about what somebody on the road is thinking or their perception. That’s not my business,' he said. 'And once I’m satisfied and my appointor is satisfied, I don’t give a damn.'
Inspection of Road Projects
The minister spoke shortly after inspecting major road projects, including the Apo-Karshi Road, the Gbazango Road in Kubwa, and the Karu road project being handled by local contractor Abdul Val Nigeria Limited. He expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work, commending contractors for meeting timelines ahead of activities marking the third anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Wike particularly praised Zeberced Group, handling the Gbazango Road project, for maintaining quality delivery and adherence to schedule. 'You see one thing is doing a quality job, and another thing is keeping to the timeline. So, I’m very happy. I think it will be full of activities during the third year anniversary of Mr President,' he added.
