By Daniel Tyokua
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his visit to the residence of All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, in Abuja.
Wike said he does not play politics of bitterness, noting that he and Yilwatda were colleagues before the latter assumed the APC chairmanship.
A photograph circulating on social media on Tuesday showed Wike at the chairman’s residence.
Speaking to journalists after an inspection tour of projects on Wednesday, Wike said he was under no obligation to disclose details of his private or social interactions with former colleagues.
He added that individuals are free to associate with others regardless of political affiliation.
He likened the visit to having a drink with a friend, questioning why such a personal act should be announced to the “whole world”.
WIke opposed the perception that members of different political parties, such as the APC and PDP, should avoid each other.
He recalled his long-standing relationship with Yilwatda , noting that both had served as colleagues when was a minister.
”We’re all colleagues before he left for the chairmanship of APC. So what I should do, if anytime I see him, I’ll hide? Anytime he sees me, he should run away so people will not say something?”
He explained that the visit was a reciprocal gesture after Yilwatda had made several unsuccessful attempts to see him at his office. Wike noted that as a busy minister, he often receives many visitors, and since the APC Chairman could not secure an appointment at the office, he opted to visit the APC chairman at his residence to hear what he had to say.
The Minister emphasized that his primary concern remains the fulfillment of his duties and the satisfaction of his “appointor”.
He stated that he remains indifferent to public perception or “what somebody on the road is thinking” as long as he is carrying out his assigned tasks dutifully.