The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu and his administration are unapproachable, emphasizing that governance is built on teamwork and not solely on direct access to the president.
Wike explained that the president cannot be expected to personally meet with every citizen or stakeholder, as the structure of government assigns responsibilities to ministers and advisers. He noted that individuals should engage with the relevant ministries and officials in charge of specific sectors instead of insisting on direct contact with the president.
“When you say Mr. President is unapproachable, what do you actually mean by government?” Wike queried. “I am the Minister of the FCT, another person oversees the Ministry of Interior, while someone else is responsible for Trade, Investment, and Industry. Must everybody go straight to Mr. President? Is that how government functions?”
He further stressed that if citizens bypass ministers and advisers while insisting on meeting only the president, it would be impossible for Tinubu to effectively govern. “If you have issues concerning the FCT, have you first tried to reach the FCT Minister?” he asked rhetorically.
When pressed on whether the government is accessible, Wike replied confidently, “Of course.”
His remarks came in response to recent criticism from former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, who had accused the Tinubu administration of being distant and unapproachable.
