The Minister of Federal Capital Territory [FCT], Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu amid the current economic challenges, saying the President’s policies are for the betterment of the country.

The immediate past governor of Rivers State, who claimed that Nigeria was worse than this few years ago, expressed confidence that Tinubu’s policies would still bring the needed turnaround and positive results.

Wike gave the charge in Ibadan during a condolence visit he paid to the governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, over the death of his older brother, Engr. Sunday Makinde, emphasising that the policies being implemented by President Bola Tinubu were fundamentally aimed at the betterment of the nation.

“I have always told people to be patient with this government. This country has faced significant challenges in the past, and it’s essential to recognise the progress we’ve made. Nigerians often forget where we were and the efforts being put in place to improve our situation,” the FCT minister said.

The minister, in the company of the former governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and other dignitaries, urged the public to understand that while the transition may be painful, it is necessary for long-term benefits.

“There is no such thing as a miracle solution. The policies Mr. President is enacting are designed to benefit all Nigerians.

“Although we may have to endure some hardships now, we should not panic. Mr. President genuinely cares for our country, and I assure you that better days are ahead.”

The former Governor of Rivers State said the main purpose of the visit was to commiserate with Governor Seyi Makinde who just lost his elder brother, Sunday Makinde.

Wike expressed deep condolences and emphasised the importance of unity in times of grief.

He shared heartfelt words of support, assuring them that they are not alone in their sorrow and that their friends stand with them during this difficult period.

“In this moment of profound loss, we are here to offer our love and solidarity,” he said.

Among other dignitaries that paid the condolence visit to Governor Makinde was a People’s Democratic Party PDP leader, Chief Bode George who led a delegation from the Lagos State chapter to the Ikolaba private residence of Governor Seyi Makinde.

George, who described governor Makinde as an asset to the people of Oyo state, urged him to stay strong in the face of his loss, emphasizing his responsibilities to his family and the state.

The Senate has approved the dismissal of the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC of Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari alongside Nura Ali (Sokoto) and Professor Ikemefuna Uzochukwu (Abia), for alleged violations of the Electoral Act.

The decision followed a formal request from President Bola Tinubu, urging the Senate to terminate their appointments over allegations of electoral misconduct.

Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion invoking Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which grants the Senate the authority to approve such dismissals. The motion secured the signatures of 91 senators, surpassing the required two-thirds majority.

The affected RECs were previously suspended in 2023 over various allegations, including electoral infractions, compromise of election results, and dereliction of duty.

Hudu Yunusa-Ari (Adamawa REC) was suspended by former President Muhammadu Buhari after illegally declaring a governorship election result, usurping the role of the Returning Officer.

Nura Ali (Sokoto REC) was accused of compromising the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections through incompetence and corruption. According to the Senate Leader there are reports indicating that he confessed to accepting $150,000 from politicians during DSS investigation.

Professor Ikemefuna Uzochukwu (Abia REC) was alleged to have mishandled logistics and election processes, and abandoned his duty during the Governorship and State Assembly elections, and refused to reschedule supplementary elections.

The Senate emphasised that the decision aligns with the 10th Senate’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, electoral integrity, and good governance.

Following deliberations, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio put the motion to a voice vote, after which it was unanimously approved.

The Minority Leader of the 9th Senate, Senator Philip Aduda has said residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), especially indigenes of the satellite towns will continue to be grateful to President Bola Tinubu, for appointing Chief Nyesom Wike as the FCT Minister.

He said the level of infrastructural development witnessed in the six Area Councils of the FCT in the last sixteen months was unprecedented, and could possibly not have happened without the Tinubu’s presidency.

Aduda, who was speaking during a meeting with some political leaders at his residence over the weekend, urged prayers and support for the President and the FCT Minister.

The former Senate Minority Leader said he was excited that six roads in satellite towns that were flagged off last year January could be ready for commissioning this year’s January.

He said there was no one that will see the Yangoji-Sukuku-Ebo, Abuja, Paikon Kore-Ibwa, Kuje, Gaba-Tokulo and Saburi roads that were commissioned two weeks ago, especially the quality of work done, that will not be grateful to President Tinubu for appointing Wike as FCT Minister at this time.

Aduda said he was particularly marveled that as the Minister was commissioning the roads, he was promising start construction of new ones in the Area Councils.

He also reminded the religious leaders that it was President Tinubu that gave the people of the FCT a representative at the Federal Executive Council (FEC), an autonomous Civil Service and an indigenous Head of Service for the first time.

As a show of appreciation to the President, we should continue to pray for him and the Minister, as well as support them to do more for us.