The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda has said that the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike is free to join the ruling party, but added that he would not be compelled.
Yilwatda made this known during a media chat with journalists on Wednesday in Abuja
He wondered why some Nigerians continued to vilify President Bola Tinubu for appointing Wike, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party in his cabinet.
The chairma said Tinubu only did what two former Presidents did, adding that Senator Bala Mohammed was appointed minister of FCT by late Umar Musa Yar’dua.
He recalled that Mohammed was a member of All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) when he was appointed.
Yilwatda wondered why people don’t mention the Minister of state, Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu who is also a member of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
He said that if Tinubu could appoint those that once insulted him as aides, ambassadors, why not Wike.
Asked if he would want Wike to join the APC, Yilwatda stated: “I’m not saying that he must join the APC.”
Prodded further if he would Wike to join the APC, the Chairman added: “He’s free. We don’t compel people. People willingly join the APC. There’s no way you see that people sign agreement with us that you must join APC before you serve in our government.
“And Mr. President has done so willingly. People that insulted him are in our government, he appointed them. He didn’t ask to join the APC.
“Some are ambassadors, some are political appointees, who insulted the president, who vilified him, but he openly in broad daylight, welcomes them and embrace them to serve where he feels they have the capacity.”
The chairman said the President found Wike worthy and he was appointed especially because of the way he transformed Rivers state when he was a governor.
Yilwatda said the President action has been justified with the infrastructural transformation of the FCT under Wike.