The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, lacks the capacity to lead Nigeria because he failed to manage his political party and allegedly left key projects unfinished as governor of Anambra State.
Speaking during the inauguration of two newly completed roads, ILS 11 (Esther Bali Street) and MAR 24 (Kez Udezue Street), in Mabushi District, Abuja, Wike said Obi lacked the moral standing to comment on governance given his alleged failures while serving as governor.
The minister criticized what he described as “politically motivated attacks” on the FCT Administration by Obi, who recently decried the condition of public schools in the FCT.
According to Wike, nation-building requires collaboration between government and citizens. He said responsible citizens should seek solutions rather than use propaganda to score political points.
“Who is called a good citizen? Not a good man, but a good citizen. Good citizens are those who think about the welfare of their country and where they come from. It is their responsibility to call the attention of government to issues, not to go to social media to castigate government just for political purposes,” Wike said
He recounted how the rehabilitation of Kez Udezue Street came about after a private citizen, legal luminary Damian Dodo (SAN), alerted him to the deplorable state of the road.
“I was in my office when my friend, Damian Dodo, called to draw my attention to the terrible condition of this road.
“Immediately, I asked the Acting Executive Secretary of the FCDA to inspect it and get a contractor with capacity to move in. Within a week, the problem was solved. That is what we call a responsive government — and that is what responsible citizens should do,” Wike narrated.
Wike expressed gratitude to Dodo, and described him as a model of civic responsibility and hinting at plans by the FCT Administration to honor him for his patriotic gesture.
The minister said, “On behalf of the FCT Administration and Mr. President, I thank you for being a good citizen. Ordinarily, I would have renamed the street after you, but I don’t know who Ken Udezue is, before people bring in ethnicity. However, I assure you that the FCT will honor you.”
Wike said, “Some people, because of politics, castigate government. For example, one of the social media presidential candidates went to one of the local schools and claimed government has abandoned education.
“Mr. Peter Obi, you were governor for eight years in Anambra State. If you had finished all the jobs then, nobody would be talking about development today.”
He accused Obi of prioritising personal profit over state development during his tenure, saying, “Instead of developing Anambra, you kept the state’s money in a bank where you had interest. You stayed eight years and could not complete key projects, but you criticize a government that’s been in office for only two. If I were you, I would be quiet. Enough is enough.”
Wike further dismissed Obi’s claims of empathy through symbolic charity acts, saying governance requires tangible results, not optics.
Wike wend on to say, “Doing birthday parties in IDP camps doesn’t make you a patriot. When you were governor, did you ever celebrate your birthday there? You cannot be president of Nigeria only on social media. You could not manage a political party; how then do you want to manage a complex country of over 200 million people?”
The minister praised Lubrik Construction Company for the timely completion of the two roads within six months and commended the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) for its commitment to infrastructural renewal in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Lubrik Construction deserves commendation. They started work even before the contract papers were finalized, showing their confidence in this administration. I also thank the FCDA team — working with me is not easy, but they have shown capacity and dedication,” he said.
Wike also announced additional ongoing projects, including a new alternative road at the Body of Benchers complex and 600-bed hostel facilities for male and female students of the Nigerian Law School, all approved by President Tinubu.
“We must be happy that we have a President who responds immediately to genuine needs. the minister added. This is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is all about — bringing back the lost hope of our people,” he added.
In her remarks, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, lauded President Tinubu for his steadfast leadership and expressed admiration for Wike’s transformative approach to infrastructure delivery.
Mahmoud said, “The prosperity of Nigeria begins with the strength and functionality of its capital city. Barrister Nyesom Wike’s purposeful leadership, passion for results, and commitment to renewal have ignited a new era of development in the FCT.”
She urged residents to take ownership of public infrastructure, noting that government investment would only yield sustainable impact if properly maintained.
“These roads belong to you. May they serve your daily lives with ease and safety,” she added.
Leave a Comment