FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has stated that it is the responsibility of state governors to inform President Bola Tinubu of any mishap in their states, rather than waiting for the President to call them. He made this remark during a media parley on July 9, 2026, responding to comments by Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Obi's Allegations Against Tinubu
Peter Obi had earlier disclosed that he met with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on July 3. During their meeting, Makinde allegedly told Obi that over 50 days after the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, President Tinubu had not called him. Obi described the President's behavior as a sign of leadership failure.
Wike Dismisses Obi's Statement
Reacting, Wike said he does not take Obi's statements seriously, accusing him of politicizing everything. “I don’t know how I will value any statement made by Obi. He has not shown a man who is not consistent. Everything for him is politics,” Wike said.
Wike questioned whether Makinde had called Tinubu first. “If something happens in my state now, it is for me to call Mr President first and say this is the problem. That is how it is done. You cannot turn it the other way round. You are the chief security of that area. If something happens, it is for you to put a call through to Mr President and say this is what has just happened in my state,” he added.
Call for Direct Communication
Wike emphasized that the governor, as the chief security officer of the state, should initiate communication with the President in such incidents. He noted that if Makinde had called Tinubu and they spoke, there would be no issue. The Minister's comments come amid ongoing concerns over security in Oyo State following the abduction.
