Tinubu, Fubara Hail Wike at 58, President Lauds FCT Transformation

. I’m not bothered by criticism, says FCT minister

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu and the Rivers State Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, have congratulated the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, on the occasion of his 58th birthday, describing him as an audacious and results-driven public servant whose performance has stood out in his administration.

This comes as the FCT minister reiterated that he is unmoved by criticism and abuse for his support of President Tinubu.

In a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president celebrated the former Rivers State governor for a life marked by purpose, service, and courage, while thanking God for his contributions to national development.

President Tinubu praised Wike as a top performer who consistently defies obstacles and delivers tangible results, particularly in the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) through aggressive infrastructure expansion.

The president highlighted the minister’s recent intervention, which broke a 14-year deadlock on the construction of the Apo–Karshi Road, describing it as emblematic of Wike’s problem-solving approach to governance.

Commending the minister’s resilience and “can-do” attitude, Tinubu noted that Wike’s commitment to excellence has translated into visible improvements across the FCT, reinforcing public confidence in the delivery of critical infrastructure.

“Nyesom Wike has been one of the shining stars in the cabinet, an exceptional performer, developing infrastructure in the Federal Capital as never seen before and proving that his moniker as ‘Mr Project’ is not limited to his home state of Rivers,” the President said.

On his part, Fubara has described Wike as a leader whose commitment to public service has continued to yield visible results.

Fubara, in a goodwill message he personally signed in Port Harcourt, said the state is proud of the former governor of Rivers State for the infrastructure development in Abuja during his tenure as FCT minister.

The governor said the celebration is significant, coming at a time when Wike’s leadership in the FCT has continued to attract national attention for its infrastructural impact.

He noted that Wike’s sterling qualities have translated into unprecedented contributions to FCT’s development, particularly through the expansion of public infrastructure and improved service delivery.

He said, “We are proud of you. You have continued to deliver enduring infrastructure development in Abuja, reinforcing your reputation as a public servant committed to results and the advancement of the Nigerian capital city.

Meanwhile, the FCT minister has reiterated that he is unmoved by criticism and abuse for his support for President Tinubu.

Wike stated this yesterday in Abuja at a special event organised to mark his 58th birthday, which was attended by prominent individuals from different political cross-sections.

He described criticism and abuses as one of the things that have kept him going, adding that he has never been bothered by those who abuse and criticise him.

He also stated that his support for the president was anchored in principles of character and integrity, noting that he was the only prominent figure from the opposition party to declare his support for Tinubu, citing equity, fairness, and justice, as well as his conviction that power should shift to the South.

The Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, who was one of the speakers at the occasion, described the FCT Minister as the “naked wire” of Rivers politics.

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Martins Amaewhule, who led 27 members of the House of Assembly to Wike’s residence, lauded the minister as a leader with a strong shoulder on which everyone can lean.

In his remarks, Wike acknowledged the role of his political associates in his leadership sojourn and thanked them for standing solidly behind him.