The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has firmly rejected claims that President Bola Tinubu's administration is being influenced by a cabal, insisting that the President is fully in charge of governance.

Speaking at the 2025 Obafemi Awolowo University Distinguished Personality Lecture in Ile-Ife, Osun State on Thursday, Wike emphasized President Tinubu's autonomous leadership style.

"He has shown that he has the courage. Under Tinubu, there is nothing like cabal. This is a president that is in charge," Wike declared during his keynote address.

Bold Economic Reforms

The FCT Minister highlighted that previous Nigerian presidents, including Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, lacked the courage to implement critical economic reforms such as removing fuel subsidies and unifying foreign exchange rates.

According to Wike, many individuals would still be benefiting from fuel subsidy fraud had President Tinubu not taken the decisive step to eliminate it.

Nigeria's Path Forward

While acknowledging Nigeria's underperformance in the six decades since independence, Wike expressed optimism that the nation can still achieve greatness with proper governance frameworks in place.

"The desired Nigeria won't fall from heaven but will require the vision, sacrifice, hard work and purpose of all citizens," he stated, calling for rebuilding trust and strengthening unity in diversity.

The Minister urged Nigerians to leave a legacy of resolution rather than regret for future generations, emphasizing collective commitment to nation-building.

Response to Critics

Addressing his critics who have called for his removal as minister, Wike dismissed their claims about his capacity to deliver, suggesting "something was wrong" with those making such assertions.

He remained firm on his stance regarding ground rent debtors in Abuja, insisting they must pay their outstanding debts and that "heaven would not fall" if they did so.

The event was attended by notable dignitaries including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; and former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, among others.