Is Nyesom Wike the First Southern Minister of the Federal Capital Territory?
Claims have surfaced online stating that Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State, is the first Southerner to assume the role of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). However, a closer examination of historical records and context reveals a more nuanced truth.
Claim: Nyesom Wike is the first Southerner to be named Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Verdict: Not Exactly.
Full Text:
Recent claims circulating on social media platforms suggest that Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State, is the first Southerner to occupy the position of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). However, upon closer examination, this claim is not entirely accurate.
Verification:
A fact-check by Ejes Gist News reveals that while Nyesom Wike is indeed the first Southerner to hold the position of Minister of the FCT since the return of democracy to Nigeria in 1999, he is not the first Southerner to ever occupy the position.
The first-ever Minister of the FCT was the late Mr. Mobolaji Ajose-Adeogun, who was appointed by General Murtala Muhammed. Mr. Ajose-Adeogun served in this capacity from 1976 to 1979. It’s important to note that he passed away in July 2023 at the age of 96.
Conclusion:
While Nyesom Wike is not the first Southern Minister of the FCT, he is the first Southern Minister of the FCT since the return of democracy in 1999. The claim that he is the first ever is not accurate, as Mr. Mobolaji Ajose-Adeogun held the position during the mid-1970s.
Fact-checking reveals that the claim is partially true, but context is crucial in accurately understanding the historical context of this ministerial position.
