Wike Explains Absence at Council of State Meeting, Dismisses Reports of Rift with Tinubu
By Queen Madaki | The Bureau News
Nigeria News Today — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed rumours that his absence at last week’s Council of State meeting was due to a rift with President Bola Tinubu or the rejection of his alleged nominee for the position of INEC Chairman.
Speaking on Tuesday during the commissioning of the Access Roads in Sector Centre B, Dakibiyu District, Abuja, Wike explained that he had delegated the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, to represent him at the meeting, citing earlier commitments.
“Sometime last week, Thursday, we had a flag-off. I told the Minister of State to represent me at the Council of State meeting. I had already told Mr President that I would not be available because of other engagements we had already put in place. So, she represented the FCT in that meeting,” he said.
Wike described reports suggesting that he boycotted the meeting over his nominee’s rejection as “unnecessary propaganda and blackmail.”
Background to the Controversy
The Minister’s remarks came days after the Council of State meeting held on October 9, 2025, where Prof. Joash Amupitan was nominated as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), pending Senate confirmation.
Online media reports had alleged that Wike boycotted the meeting in protest and even encouraged other political leaders to stay away. The reports also claimed he had pushed for Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman of the Court of Appeal as an alternative nominee.
However, Wike dismissed the claims as false, stressing that he remains loyal to the President and focused on delivering tangible results in the FCT.
‘I Work for Mr President’ — Wike
Wike reiterated his loyalty to President Tinubu, emphasizing that his focus remains on project delivery rather than political distractions.
“I work for Mr President. His judgment has always been to put this country in the right perspective. When you start delivering, the achievement will silence all critics. Today, they have nothing again to say,” he stated.
The Minister commended President Tinubu’s leadership, crediting him for the accelerated progress and infrastructural transformation in the FCT.
“When you have the right leadership, you achieve the expected results. Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has shown the right leadership, and that is why people are talking about the achievements we have made in the FCT,” he added.
Mini Foodstuff Price List for Nigeria News Today
| Item | Price (₦) | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Rice (50kg Bag) | ₦64,500 | Mile 12, Lagos |
| Beans (1 paint) | ₦3,600 | Wuse Market, Abuja |
| Garri (1 paint) | ₦1,900 | Mile 12, Lagos |
| Yam (1 tuber) | ₦1,200 | Wuse Market, Abuja |
| Tomatoes (basket) | ₦18,000 | Mile 12, Lagos |
| Palm Oil (1 bottle) | ₦1,700 | Wuse Market, Abuja |
Compiled by The Bureau News Business Desk for “foodstuff price list Mile 12 Lagos today” and “foodstuff price list Wuse Market Abuja today.”
