The Vicar of St. James Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja, Reverend Ben Idume, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his foresight in appointing former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), describing the President as a “visionary leader.”
Speaking during a thanksgiving service held to mark the successful completion of several projects by the FCT Administration under Wike’s leadership, Rev. Idume said the appointment had silenced critics and proven that Wike was capable of delivering results.
“I will not fail to thank President Tinubu who appointed this man to be minister because. The President, himself, is a visionary president. He can see vision somehow. That was why he saw that this man (Wike) can do something,” the cleric said.
“Tinubu can see vision, whether he closes his eyes or opens them. So, the President is a visionary president, so we thank him for making us happy in the FCT.”
Rev. Idume addressed the initial opposition Wike faced upon his appointment, especially from individuals questioning his religious background and southern origin.
“When he became a minister, some people said over their dead bodies, he would not be a minister. ‘How can a Christian be a minister? Have you ever heard it once? How can a southerner be a minister? Have you ever heard it? It can never be done,’” he recalled.
Despite those doubts, the cleric said Wike had risen above expectations and brought pride to the Christian and southern communities in the FCT.
“This church is thankful to God that a Christian minister, a southern minister, has come to rewrite the history of the Federal Capital Territory,” Idume added.
Wike attended the thanksgiving service accompanied by several prominent figures, including Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, former Benue State governor Samuel Ortom, former Enugu governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil) Heineken Lokpobiri, suspended Rivers Assembly Speaker Martins Amaewhule, PDP National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, and Senator Ifeanyi Ararume.
A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Wike openly supported Tinubu’s presidential bid in 2023 and was appointed as FCT Minister in 2024.
Despite serving under an APC-led administration, Wike has stood by his decision.
“I have no regrets, I have no apologies. If the opportunity comes I will do the same thing,” he said during a PDP thanksgiving event in Ahoada East and West LGAs of Rivers State.
He has consistently stated his continued loyalty to the PDP, even while serving in the federal cabinet.
