Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike has promised to support only candidates who support President Bola Tinubu’s vision, irrespective of political party, in the FCT area councils’ election scheduled for February 21.
Wike made the promise in Abuja on Saturday night during Senator Sandy Onor’s 60th birthday, a celebration of six decades of scholarship, leadership, service, and meaningful impact.
The former governor of Rivers State, who said he owed no one an apology for supporting Tinubu, promised to back any candidate aligned with the president.
“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 for my stand,”* Wike said.
Speaking on the celebrant, the minister described Onor as a “credible ally, a trustworthy friend, and a good brother.”
According to the minister, Onor is not only a friend but a reliable one, even in times of trouble: “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.”
Prof. Anthony Eyang read the celebrant’s citation, which stated that Onor, who was born on February 14, 1966, in Ikom, Cross River, was raised in an atmosphere that valued community, discipline, and faith.
Eyang said that Onor’s journey from the University of Calabar lecture halls to the Nigerian Senate and then to Cross River politics “reflects a life devoted to learning, leadership, and the advancement of society.”
Earlier, Senator Philip Aduda, Chairman of the Planning Committee, stated that the event was a celebration of God’s faithfulness in Onor’s life as both an academic and politician.
Former Governor of Benue, Mr. Samuel Otom, who took over for the Chairman of the Occasion, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, former Governor of Abia State and Ambassador-designate, praised Onor as an “icon,” a wonderful Nigerian, and a guy equipped and suited for leadership. He also described Onor as a “good man.”
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kalu Agabi (SAN), praised the celebrant as brave and intelligent.
“I love Sen. Sandy Onor because he is not one of those who stigmatize the constitution as a product of the military,” he said.
Prof. Dave Imbua, Head of the Department of History and International Studies at the University of Calabar, gave a Festschrift—a book created by scholars in honor of the celebrant—stating that Onor has remained a well-known historian among academics.
Ikpeazu introduced the book on behalf of Wike and his pals, who contributed an estimated N50 million.
In his remarks, Onor stated that in his 60th year, he realized that being a man of greatness and integrity is beneficial and that hard work always pays off.
He did, however, state that “everything becomes insignificant if the finger of God is absent in one’s life.”
Onor praised his family, friends, and supporters for their encouragement, stating that it will not be taken for granted.
