Makinde’s Angry Over Denial Of Ministerial Slot — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that the source of tension between him and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, began after the governor was denied a ministerial slot in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Wike made the remarks during a media parley on Monday, where he offered insights into the strained relationship and the underlying political issues within the G5 camp, a group of former and serving governors who worked together during the 2023 elections.

According to Wike, the misunderstanding started when Makinde failed to secure a ministerial position for his nominee despite the group’s earlier understanding.

“What we are dealing with today’s problem is that he was not given any ministerial slot,” Wike said. “Even when he was saying it, we could see the anger. He didn’t need to tell anybody, we could see it. We told him, “calm down.”

The former Rivers governor said efforts were made to pacify Makinde and explain the circumstances surrounding the appointments, including visits to President Tinubu.

“We went back home and explained why we went to see the President. We told him, just take it easy. There are certain factors you may not have considered. However, something has to be done,” Wike stated.

He added that despite these efforts, Makinde appeared to have “already made up his mind,” making reconciliation difficult.

Wike also recalled an earlier encounter that, according to him, reflected the governor’s temperament.
“I remember when the Rivers State Government held a reception for me. The former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, spoke and said they were going to support the President for a second term,” Wike said.

“But Seyi Makinde, the next day, replied, questioning why he would say such a thing. I called him and said even if Ortom said so, he didn’t need to go that far. All he could have said was, ‘Let’s call a day; it’s too early for you to make that kind of statement.’”

The FCT Minister likened Makinde’s reaction to someone who became successful too soon and lost patience.

“Sometimes when you make your first one million dollars, you react too early. You forget that Dangote was not the fastest to make one million dollars, but today, he’s the richest man in Africa,” he said.