I Have Freedom Of Association, Not Playing Politics Of Enmity – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has dismissed insinuations surrounding his recent visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, insisting that he does not practice “politics of enmity.”

Wike made the clarification while speaking with newsmen today during the inspection of ongoing road projects in Karu, Apo-Karshi and Arab road Kubwa.

The minister said his interaction with the APC chairman was purely a matter of personal association and professional courtesy, and not a formal political engagement.

The FCT Minister explained that he was under no obligation to publicize or explain his private social interactions.

According to him, every individual has the constitutional right to freely associate with others, irrespective of political party affiliations or public perception.

Wike questioned the growing political suspicion surrounding relationships across party lines, stressing that political differences should not translate into hostility or isolation.

He maintained that friendship and professional relationships should not be dictated by party membership.

The minister who explained that he and Yilwatda had worked together and both served in government, said their relationship did not begin with politics.

“We are all colleagues before he left for the chairmanship of APC,” Wike said. “So what I should do anytime I see him is to hide? Anytime he sees me, he should run away so people will not say something?”

He argued that such longstanding associations should not suddenly become controversial because of changing political positions.

Wike further disclosed that the visit was a reciprocal gesture after the APC chairman had unsuccessfully tried several times to see him officially at his office.

Due to his demanding schedule and numerous engagements, the minister said he decided to personally visit Yilwatda at his residence.

According to him, the visit was simply an opportunity to listen to what the APC chairman wanted to discuss, stressing that there was nothing secretive or politically unusual about the meeting.He described attempts to politicize the interaction as unnecessary speculation.

The minister emphasized that his primary focus remains the execution of his responsibilities and meeting the expectations of the President who appointed him.

He stated that public opinion or political gossip would not distract him from delivering on his mandate in the FCT.
“What’s important to me is what I am doing for my people,”adding that performance and visible results are more important than political narratives.

During the inspection tour which covered ongoing road construction projects in Karu, Apo-Karshi and Kubwa, Wike maintained that he remains committed to infrastructure delivery and governance in the nation’s capital.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji