FCT Polls: Wike To Support Only Pro-Tinubu Candidates

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says he will only support candidates who back President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in the upcoming FCT area councils’ election, regardless of their political party.

Wike made this known on Saturday in Abuja at the 60th birthday celebration of Senator Sandy Onor, an event held to honour six decades of scholarship, leadership, service and meaningful impact.

The minister, who stated he owes no one an apology for his support of President Tinubu, promised to back any candidate who aligns with the president, irrespective of party affiliation.

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

“It is also my duty to ensure that any candidate that is not supporting Tinubu does not win in the election, and I owe no apology for my stand,” he said.

In a statement signed by the FCT minister’s senior special assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, speaking about the celebrant, Wike described him as a credible ally, a trustworthy friend, and a good brother.

According to him, Onor is more than just a friendly acquaintance; he is a reliable friend, especially in times of trouble.

“That is when you know who a true friend is. I will continue to be with you and work with you because I know that even if I am not alive today, you will not abandon my family,” Wike said.

While reading the citation of the celebrant, Professor Anthony Eyang noted that 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 stated that Onor’s journey, from the lecture halls of the University of Calabar to the floor of the Nigerian Senate, and onward in Cross River State politics, reflects a life devoted to learning, leadership, and the advancement of society.

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

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

Ortom, who stood in for the Chairman of the occasion, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, a former governor of Abia State and Ambassador-designate, also described Onor as a good man.

A former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kalu Agabi (SAN), described the celebrant as a courageous and intelligent man.

“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,” Agabi said.

Professor 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, raising N50 million.

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

However, Onor noted 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.