Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed as false and mischievous reports that he deliberately boycotted the recent Council of State meeting due to dissatisfaction over the nomination of the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Wike clarified that his absence at the meeting was with the express permission of President Bola Tinubu, adding that he had earlier directed the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, to represent him due to prior official engagements.
He made the clarification on Tuesday during the commissioning of Access Roads in Sector Centre B, Dakibiyu District, Abuja.
According to the minister, claims circulated by sections of the media suggesting that he stayed away because his preferred nominee for the INEC top position was not selected amount to baseless propaganda and blackmail.
“Sometime last week, Thursday, we had a flag-off, and I told the Minister of State, FCT, to represent me at the Council of State meeting,” Wike said.
“I had already informed Mr. President that I would not be available due to engagements we had already scheduled. That is why I find it laughable when people carry unnecessary propaganda and blackmail. But in spite of all that, I remain focused. You can only be distracted if you lose focus,” he added.