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• Demands answers on $308m turbine sale, N68bn monorail, $39m hospital project
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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has questioned former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s record in office, citing former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s criticism of his former deputy, while arguing that the entry of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has further complicated the party’s chances ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Wike, who spoke on Thursday at a Rainbow Coalition meeting in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, challenged Atiku to account for his eight years as vice-president under Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007, arguing that his record should be central to the debate over his renewed presidential ambition.
He also questioned the ADC’s capacity to offer Nigerians a convincing alternative to President Bola Tinubu, insisting that the records of its prominent figures must be scrutinised before they seek higher office.
“Atiku was vice-president from 1999 to 2007. How many years? He was not just a vice-president, but a very powerful vice-president. He was in charge of privatisation and everything concerning companies and industries owned by the government,” Wike said.
He challenged Nigerians to identify the impact of Atiku’s years in government, particularly his role in the Federal Government’s privatisation programme.
“Can anybody tell me, do you see the impact of Atiku Abubakar? No!” the minister asked.
Wike, who disclosed that he had contested a presidential primary against Atiku, also invoked Obasanjo’s reported expression of regret over supporting his former deputy’s emergence as vice-president, arguing that the former president’s assessment should inform public scrutiny of Atiku’s political record.
The minister urged Nigerians to look beyond political affiliations and campaign rhetoric when assessing presidential aspirants, insisting that their performance in previous public offices should determine their suitability for higher responsibilities.
Turning to Amaechi, who governed Rivers State from 2007 to 2015, Wike questioned several projects and financial transactions associated with his administration, demanding explanations about their costs and outcomes.
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He cited an alleged $10 million expenditure on a mosquito-control programme, $39 million for a proposed specialist hospital and N68 billion for a monorail project.
Wike also questioned the handling of proceeds from the reported sale of a gas turbine in December 2014, which he put at $308 million.
“Where is the $308 million? Where is the $39 million? Where is the N68 billion? And where is the $10 million for fumigation?” he asked.
The FCT minister argued that the questions surrounding the projects and transactions underscored the need for Nigerians to demand accountability from political officeholders before entrusting them with greater responsibilities.
The allegations were made by Wike at the political meeting and were not independently established by the information provided. Amaechi’s response was not included in the statement.
Earlier, the Zonal Director of the Post Primary Schools Board, Chimereze Nworgo, said the people of Ogbia Local Government Area continued to appreciate security and infrastructure interventions associated with Wike’s tenure as Rivers State governor.
Nworgo cited the construction of the Ogbia-Nembe Road, improved connectivity, the establishment of a model secondary school and recognition of traditional institutions as some of the interventions valued by the community.
He also commended Wike for supporting the political representation of Ogbia indigenes at the national level, including Ambassador Desmond Eji Akawu.
While reaffirming the community’s political support for Wike, Nworgo appealed for further interventions in road construction and rehabilitation, a general hospital, the renovation of dilapidated schools, youth employment and empowerment, and additional political appointments for Ogbia indigenes at state and federal levels.
He stressed that the community’s endorsement did not mean its development needs had been fully met, but reflected its willingness to sustain engagement with Wike in pursuit of its aspirations.
The chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Area, Okechukwu Akara Nwaogu, also presented a gift to Wike on behalf of the council in recognition of his position as FCT minister and leader of the Rainbow Coalition.
