Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that former Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Sandy Onor, missed out on several high-profile appointments due to his political alignment with him.
Wike made the disclosure over the weekend in Abuja during Onor’s 60th birthday celebration, where he recounted how political considerations affected the former lawmaker’s career prospects.
According to the minister, Onor was denied a significant opportunity during the constitution of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) because of Wike’s open support for his governorship ambition in Cross River State.
“I remember during the time of the NDDC, I called Sandy when someone’s name was proposed. Because I supported him for governorship, they blocked it,” Wike said. “I told him not to worry; what will be, will be.”
Wike further disclosed that when the President later established the South South Development Commission (SSDC), he made efforts to secure the chairmanship position for Onor, despite it being initially zoned to Rivers State.
“When the President, in his magnanimity, set up the SSDC, the chairmanship was meant for Rivers State. I said this is my friend who has done well; I will make the sacrifice and allow it to go to Cross River State, and he should be the one,” Wike stated.
However, he said the proposal was resisted at the state level.
“The state said they should remove it from him, and I told them if you are removing it, I will take it back,” he added.
Wike did not provide further details on the specific political forces that opposed Onor’s appointments but maintained that the former senator remained steadfast despite the setbacks.
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