Nyesom Wike Is The First From Nigeria’s Southern Region To Become FCT Minister? – Fact Emerge

Nyesom Wike Is The First From Nigeria’s Southern Region To Become FCT Minister? – Fact Emerge

Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was established in 1976. Unlike the country’s 36 states, which have elected governors, the territory is overseen by a minister appointed by the president.

The minister for the FCT holds the highest position in the regional government, which encompasses the capital city of Abuja.

In August 2023, President Bola Tinubu appointed Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers state, as the minister of the FCT.

However, a Facebook post in Nigeria claims that Wike is the first southerner in Nigeria to be appointed as minister of the FCT.

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Regional politics play a significant role in Nigeria, and public appointments can often lead to tensions. Given that the capital is located in the north of the country, the ministerial position has historically been held by individuals from the northern region. Both Tinubu and Wike hail from the south.

The post asserts: “This is the first time a Southerner will be holding the position of the Federal Capital Territory Minister (FCT) Minister it has never happened before… This is a historic event..”

Southern Nigeria comprises the following states: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross-River, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Ekiti, Lagos, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, and Oyo.

The same claim appeared on Facebook here, here, here, here, here and here.

Wike not the first FCT minister from the south

Nigerian media have reported that Chief Mobolaji Ajose-Adeogun was the first southerner to hold the position, dating back to 1976.

In July 2023, Nigeria’s state house issued a press statement offering condolences to the family of Ajose-Adeogun upon his passing. It acknowledged him as Nigeria’s first FCT minister, hailing from Lagos state in southern Nigeria.

Ajose-Adeogun was appointed by the military government of General Murtala Mohammed and served in the FCT from 1976 to 1979.

Wike, originating from Rivers state in southern Nigeria, becomes the second southerner to be appointed as minister of the FCT.

Credit: Africa Check

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