In an unprecedented move that has sent ripples of excitement across the nation, H.E Nyesom Wike, former Governor of Rivers State has broken records by becoming the very first minister hailing from the southern region of Nigeria to be appointed as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister.
This groundbreaking decision marks a significant departure from the long-standing trend of appointing ministers for the FCT from the northern regions of Nigeria.
Truth Live News reports that the FCT ministerial position, responsible for overseeing the development and administration of the Federal Capital Territory, has historically been dominated by politicians from the northern region of Nigeria.
However, Wike’s appointment as minister of the FCT by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 has broken this historical pattern, signifying a broader effort to bridge regional divides and enhance national cohesion.
Recall that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria was officially declared the capital on December 12, 1991.
And below are the ministers from 1991 till 2023:
Gado Nasko (1991 – 1993)
Jeremiah Timbut Useni (1993 – 1998)
Mamman Kontagora (1998 – 1999)
Ibrahim Bunu (1999 – 2001)
Muhammed Abba Gana (2001 – 2003)
Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai (2003 – 2007)
Aliyu Modibbo Umar (2007 – 2008)
Adamu Aliero (2008 – 2010)
Bala Mohammed (2010 – 2015)
Mohammed Musa Bello (2015 – 2023)