FCT Council Election: I Will Support Tinubu’s Supporters – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Nyesom Wike, says he will only support those who back President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, irrespective of political party, in the FCT Area Councils’ election scheduled for February 21.

Wike made this statement in Abuja during Senator Sandy Onor’s 60th birthday celebration, marking six decades of scholarship, leadership, service, and meaningful impact.

The Minister, who said he owed no one an apology for supporting Tinubu, promised to back any candidate who supports the President, regardless of party affiliation.

“We have the FCT Area Council election coming up on February 21, and I have a duty to support any candidate who supports President Tinubu to win.

“It is also my duty to ensure that any candidate who does not support Tinubu does not win the election, and I owe no apology for my stance,” Wike said.

Speaking about the celebrant, the Minister described him as a credible ally, a trustworthy friend, and a good brother.

According to him, Onor is not just a friendly person but a reliable friend, especially in times of trouble, “because that is when you truly know who a friend is.”

“I will continue to stand by you and work with you because I know that even if I am not alive today, you will not abandon my family,” Wike said.”

Reading the citation of the celebrant, Prof. Anthony Eyang said Onor, born on February 14, 1966, in Ikom, Cross River State, was raised in an environment deeply rooted in community values, discipline, and faith.

Eyang said that Onor’s journey, as a Professor of History, began in the lecture halls of the University of Calabar and extended to the floor of the Nigerian Senate, and onward to Cross River State politics.

“This reflects a life devoted to learning, leadership, and the advancement of society,” he said.

Earlier, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Senator Philip Aduda, said the event was a thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness in Onor’s life, both as an academic and a politician.

On his part, Mr. Samuel Ortom, former governor of Benue State, described Onor as an “icon,” a great Nigerian, and a man who had prepared himself and was fit for leadership.

Ortom, who stood in for the Chairman of the Occasion, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, former governor of Abia State and ambassador-designate, equally described Onor as a “good man.”

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), described the celebrant as a courageous and intelligent man, saying, “I love Senator Sandy Onor because he is not one of those who stigmatize the Constitution as a product of the military.

He is a courageous and intelligent man.”
Prof. Dave Imbua, while presenting a festschrift, a book written by scholars in honour of the celebrant, said Onor has remained a notable historian among academics.

Ikpeazu unveiled the book on behalf of Wike and his friends, with a donation of N50 million.

In his remarks, the celebrant said that in his 60th year, he had realized that it is good to be a man of excellence and character, adding that hard work pays.

Onor, however, said that “everything becomes insignificant if the finger of God is absent.”

He thanked his family, friends, and well-wishers for their show of love, adding that their support would not be taken for granted.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji