The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says he is not distracted by the ongoing crisis in Rivers State but is instead focused on his duties as a minister.
Wike made the statement during a final inspection tour of projects to be inaugurated in the nation’s capital on Friday.
The former Governor of Rivers State and his successor, Governor Siminalyi Fubara, have been at loggerheads since October 2023, when some lawmakers in the state began impeachment proceedings against the governor.
Last Saturday, while addressing a civic reception in Ogu-Bolo, Rivers State, the minister stated that he had made a mistake, which he promised to correct “at the appropriate time”. He, however, did not specify if having supported Fubara to succeed him as governor was the mistake.
“I want to say this clearly, in life, we have made a mistake. I have made a mistake. I own it up, and I say God forgive me. I have said all of you forgive me. But we will correct it at the appropriate time,” he declared.
However, while addressing journalists during the inspection tour on Abuja, Wike stated that if he had been distracted, some of the projects that he noted were ready to be inaugurated would not be possible.
“I am not distracted. If I’m distracted, you won’t see this performance here. I focus on my work. I am the Minister of the FCT, and the works are going on. So, why would I be distracted? I don’t even think about it all,” he said.
The minister also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu would inaugurate some of the projects in the city for nine days, beginning on May 27 to June 6, 2024, adding that the events will begin with the unveiling of the metro line project for commercial activities on May 27.
“As you know, this is the final inspection we are doing as regards the preparedness for the inauguration of the various projects. With the approval of Mr President, we believe that from the 27th of this month, we shall start the inauguration of the various projects. Particularly on the 27th, the President will flag off the commercial operation of the metro line. On Monday, we will have the final inspection of that (project)”, he said.
