Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his recent visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, saying political differences should not translate into personal hostility.
Wike spoke on Wednesday while inspecting ongoing road projects across Abuja, dismissing speculations surrounding the visit and insisting that he owed no one explanations over his personal relationships.
“That is their business. Whatever they think is their business, it is their headache,” the minister said.
The former Rivers State governor maintained that he does not subscribe to what he described as “politics of enmity,” recalling that the former National Chairman of the Labour Party had also visited him at his residence in the past.
“I don’t play politics of enmity. If the National Chairman of APC, who had tried several times to see me and couldn’t, and I decided to visit him in his house, that is my business,” he stated.
Wike stressed that his priority remained the delivery of results in line with his mandate as FCT minister, rather than public perception or political commentary.
“What is important to me is what I’m doing for my people and the job assigned to me. It is not about what somebody on the road is thinking. Once I am satisfied and my appointor is satisfied, I don’t give a damn,” he said.
Responding to questions on why details of the meeting were not disclosed, Wike described it as a private engagement that did not require public explanation.
“Did I go there for any meeting? Why would I tell you about my private life? If I come to visit you to have a drink with you, should I announce it to the whole world?” he queried.
According to him, politicians from different political parties should still be able to maintain cordial relationships without attracting suspicion or criticism.
“So if I see an APC person on the road, I shouldn’t talk to the person? Or if any PDP person is seen with an APC person, they should run away because of politics?” he asked.
Wike further noted that he and the APC chairman had previously served together in government, adding that political affiliations should not erase longstanding professional relationships.
“People should continue to say whatever they want to say. What is important is whether I have achieved results or not,” he added.
