Wike: Blackmail Will Not Derail My Work in FCT

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed that no amount of blackmail or public criticism will sway him from delivering on his mandate.

Wike, who spoke on Monday during the flag-off of the construction of Access Roads ILS 02 and ILS 03 (Timipre Sylva Street) in Mabushi District, Abuja, said he remains fully committed to the service of residents and to the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, attempts to discredit or intimidate him through smear campaigns and social media attacks are bound to fail.

“If you like, cry from morning till night, call me whatever names you wish, put my face everywhere on the internet, it changes nothing. I am focused,” Wike declared.

The minister described blackmail as an inevitable hazard of political life, insisting that no serious politician should expect otherwise. He said he had long prepared himself for such tactics and would not lose sleep over them.

“When I chose politics, I understood what it entailed. People will say all kinds of things—true or false. That’s normal. For me, the only concern would be if my appointor, the President, is not satisfied with my performance. That is when I will worry. But because certain interests are not getting their way and think they can use blackmail to bend us, I assure you it will not work,” he said.

Wike also warned civil servants against being used by those sponsoring campaigns of calumny, urging them to remain focused on their duties.

“Some people are organising themselves, hoping to pressure us into doing their bidding. Let me be clear: it will not succeed. Tell them to stop wasting their time,” he added.

The minister maintained that his attention will remain fixed on tangible development projects across the FCT rather than on distractions.