The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that he will support only candidates who are backing the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming FCT Area Councils election scheduled for February 21.
Wike made the declaration on Saturday in Abuja during the 60th birthday celebration of Senator Sandy Onor, describing his position as a matter of duty and conviction.
According to the minister, he owes no one an apology for supporting President Tinubu and will align with candidates across party lines who share that commitment.
“We have the FCT Area Council election coming up on February 21 and I have a duty to support any candidate that supports President Tinubu to win,” Wike said.
“It is also my duty to ensure that any candidate that is not supporting Tinubu does not win in the election, and I owe no apology on my stand.”
The minister spoke at the event marking Onor’s six decades of scholarship, leadership and service, where he described the celebrant as a credible ally, trustworthy friend and dependable brother.
Wike said Onor had proven to be reliable, particularly in difficult times, adding that true friendship is tested in adversity.
“I will continue to be with you and work with you, because I know even if I am not alive today, you will not abandon my family,” he said.
In a citation read at the event, Prof. Anthony Eyang traced Onor’s journey from his birth on February 14, 1966, in Ikom, Cross River State, to his academic and political accomplishments.
He noted that Onor, a Professor of History, rose from the lecture halls of the University of Calabar to the Nigerian Senate and later became a key figure in Cross River State politics.
“This reflects a life devoted to learning, leadership, and the advancement of society,” Eyang said.
Chairman of the planning committee, Senator Philip Aduda, described the event as a thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness in Onor’s life, both as an academic and a politician.
Former Benue State Governor, Mr Samuel Ortom, who represented the Chairman of the Occasion, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, described Onor as an icon and a man well prepared for leadership.
“He is a great Nigerian and a good man,” Ortom said.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), praised the celebrant as courageous and intelligent, commending his constitutional stance.
“I love Senator Sandy Onor because he is not one of those who stigmatize the constitution as a product of the military. He is a courageous and intelligent man,” Agabi said.
A Festschrift written in Onor’s honour by scholars was presented by Prof. Dave Imbua at the ceremony, while Ikpeazu unveiled the book on behalf of Wike and his friends with a donation of N50 million.
In his remarks, Onor reflected on his 60 years of life, stressing the importance of excellence, character and hard work.
He, however, added that “everything becomes insignificant if the finger of God is absent,” expressing gratitude to his family, friends and well-wishers for their support.
