The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that he will support only candidates aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s vision in the forthcoming FCT Area Councils election scheduled for February 21.
Naija News reports that Wike made the statement on Saturday night in Abuja during the 60th birthday celebration of Senator Sandy Onor.
Speaking at the event, Wike said he owed no one an apology for supporting the President and vowed to back candidates who share Tinubu’s agenda, regardless of party affiliation.
He said, “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.
“It is also my duty to ensure that any candidate who is not supporting Tinubu does not win in the election, and I owe no apology on my stand.”
The minister described the celebrant as a credible ally, a trustworthy friend, and a good brother. According to him, Onor has remained dependable even in difficult times.
“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,” Wike said.
Reading the citation, Prof. Anthony Eyang said Onor, born on February 14, 1966, in Ikom, Cross River State, was raised in an environment rooted in community values and discipline.
Eyang noted that Onor’s career path, from academia at the University of Calabar to the Nigerian Senate and politics in Cross River, reflects a life devoted to learning, leadership, and the advancement of society.
Chairman of the planning committee, Senator Philip Aduda, described the occasion as a thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness in Onor’s life.
Former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, who represented the Chairman of the Occasion, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, described Onor as an “icon,” a great Nigerian, and a man fit for leadership.
Similarly, former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), praised the celebrant’s courage and intellect.
“I love Sen. Sandy Onor because he is not one of those who stigmatise the constitution as a product of the military,” Agabi said.
The Head of Department of History and International Studies at the University of Calabar, Prof. Dave Imbua, presented a Festschrift in honour of Onor, describing him as a notable historian among academics.
The book was unveiled by Ikpeazu on behalf of Wike and his associates, with a reported ₦50 million contribution. In his response, Onor reflected on his 60-year journey, stressing the importance of character and diligence.
He said he had realised that excellence and integrity are essential in life, adding that “hard work always pays.” However, he cautioned that achievements are incomplete without divine guidance.
“Everything becomes insignificant if the finger of God is absent in one’s life,” Onor stated.
He expressed gratitude to his family, friends and supporters, assuring them that their encouragement would not be taken for granted.
