Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that no amount of blackmail would obstruct him from discharging his duties.

Speaking on Monday at the flag-off of the construction of Access Roads ILS 02 and ILS 03 (Timipre Sylva Street) in Mabushi District, Abuja, Wike said he remains committed to serving both residents of the FCT and President Bola Tinubu.

“So if you like, organize yourself, cry from morning till night, call me whatever name you want, put my name on the internet, say anything you want to say—foul,” he said.

The minister stressed that blackmail is a common tactic against politicians, but vowed it would not derail his focus on delivering projects.

He said, “I am not one of those who will think that blackmail will change me. My skin is so thick, so strong. As a politician, you should know that these are things you will see, so why are you worried? No politician who is serial will think that people will not say something against them. Then go and sleep, go and rest.

“The day I set out to be a politician, I knew I was now up. People will say all kinds of things, so for me, say it. The only way I will be worried is if my appointer is not satisfied with what I am doing, then I will be worried. But just because we are not doing what you want, and then you think that by blackmail, it will make us do it, we will not do it. So, civil servants who are here, if you know those people you are organizing, call them back, tell them that it’s like the thing won’t work, because I know it will not work.”

The FCT minister also criticized contractors and groups he accused of attempting to dictate government priorities.

“I mean, look at the country where you are a minister and people are signing contracts to the tune of ?19–20 billion, and now somebody comes to say, ‘Oh, you are owing us.’ I determine what the priority is. I, representing Mr. President, determine what the priority is. You cannot determine for us what the priority is,” he stated.

According to Wike, infrastructure and social amenities remain at the heart of his agenda for FCT residents.

“I know what the people need, and that is why we are here to flag off road projects. It is not every day you pay contractors. That is just the nature of our people. Our people need hospitals, schools, and good roads,” he explained.

The minister emphasized that he was not seeking popularity, but rather wanted to be known for hard work. (The Nation)