PDP permitted me to become minister under APC — Wike

• Wike aims to fly the Nigerian flag and bring the FCT back to the vision of its founding fathers, prioritizing security and tourism
• Wike notified PDP officials, including the National Chairman and state representatives, about his appointment and received their approval
• He is the only opposition party member in President Tinubu’s cabinet
  

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The recently appointed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesome Wike, has dispelled rumors of his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress. He clarified that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) allowed him to accept the ministerial position offered by President Bola Tinubu.

Wike, the sole opposition party member in President Tinubu’s cabinet, emphasized his commitment to enhancing democracy and restoring the Territory’s former glory.

During his inaugural press conference, he unveiled a comprehensive 10-point plan centered on security, urban cleanliness, maintaining the Abuja Master Plan, developing infrastructure, reviving green spaces, eliminating informal settlements, plugging revenue gaps, facilitating ground rent payments, and various other goals.

When asked about the party flag he would display in his office, the new FCT Minister responded that residents should prioritize pressing issues requiring immediate attention over his choice of party affiliation.

“Why should anyone be bothered about what party flag I will be flying? Okay, bring the PDP flag, I will fly it, bring the Labour Party flag, I will fly it. The FCT is in this state and you think the people are bothered about the party flag I fly?
“I will fly the Nigerian flag and ensure the FCT returns to the dreams of the founding fathers. We will bring FCT back to where it ought to be. So many people have complained that this is not the FCT of the founding fathers. We must tackle the issue of security. FCT should be where people come for holidays,” he said.

Wike added that when the president told him about his ministerial appointment, he wrote to the PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagun, the South-South zonal chairman of the party, and his Rivers State chairman to notify them of the appointment and they all wrote back giving their approval.