Wike Defends Tinubu Against Critics, Says President Approachable

Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike has defended President Bola Tinubu against criticisms of leading an unapproachable administration, asserting that the structure of government is designed for citizens to engage with ministers and aides, not solely the president.

Wike, who appeared as a guest on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ on Tuesday, argued that expecting the president to be personally accessible to every citizen was misunderstanding how governance works.

The FCT minister’s comments were a direct rebuttal to recent claims by a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, who earlier described the Tinubu-led administration as distant and unapproachable.

“When you say Mr. President is unapproachable, and the government is unapproachable, what do you call government?” Wike questioned.

He elaborated on the principle of delegation and teamwork that underpins the federal executive. “I am the Minister in charge of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Z is a Minister in charge of Interior, Mrs O is a Minister in charge of Trade, Investment and Industry. Must everybody reach Mr. President? Is that the way government runs?”

Wike urged Nigerians to first utilise the channels of ministers and special advisers appointed to handle specific sectors.

“If everybody in this country refuses to reach out to ministers or special advisers and just wants to see Mr. President, how many people can he attend to at a time?

“I am a minister, if you have a problem regarding the activities in the FCT, have you tried to reach out to the FCT minister?” he asked.

“When asked by the host to give a clear answer on the administration’s accessibility, Wike responded unequivocally, “Of course,” affirming his belief that the government is open to engagement through its designated officials.