Senate President Godswill Akpabio has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as a man committed to peace.
According to reports, Wike has faced significant criticism over the recent demolition of structures in Abuja. However, speaking on Friday at a public lecture and book launch held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to celebrate Wike’s birthday, Akpabio expressed his confusion over why anyone would have issues with the former governor.
He said, “I was discussing this with one of my colleagues, and I told him I do not know why a man would quarrel with Wike. If he shouts while we are sitting there, by the time I get to that door he has forgotten.
“He will be the one to carry his phone and call me and say ‘when are you coming to the house for lunch?’ And he had forgotten that we quarreled and I will tell him, ‘after the quarrel’.”
In response, Wike said he was unbothered about the criticism because he does not see or hear his critics.
Wike also said he was humbled by the crowd that identified with him, expressing satisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s support.
He noted the attacks were designed by his detractors, adding that the only way to silence the critics was to achieve results for public interest.
He said: “For me, in life, what is important is, if you know what you want to do, and you know how you want to do it, then go ahead. One thing that I can assure all of you here is that we will continue to make you proud.
“I will never be distracted. I will still be focused to achieve the results that Nigerians will know that Mr President means well. Yes, so many people have talked about criticism, I can assure you, it is even people who inform me that people are criticising me.
“Frankly speaking, because I do not see them and I don’t hear them and I can not reply to them.”