Wike blasts Obi over criticism of FCT schools, questions his leadership record

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has blasted the Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023, Peter Obi, accusing him of seeking media attention through unfounded attacks on the government efforts in Abuja.

Wike’s remarks came as a response to Obi’s recent statement at a public school in Kuje, where he alleged that the government had neglected public education.

Speaking at the commissioning of new roads in Mabushi District yesterday, Wike warned that not every issue should be politicised and challenged Obi’s legacy as former Governor of Anambra State.

“Mr. Peter Obi, we have only been in office for two years. You served for eight years. Compare what we have done in two years in the FCT with your eight years in Anambra. Can you honestly say you love this country? Or that you love Anambra? I don’t think so,” Wike declared.

He further accused Obi of prioritising personal gain over development during his tenure in Anambra.

“In those eight years, instead of improving Anambra, you placed funds in Fidelity Bank; a bank where you have interest, just to earn profit while Anambra suffered,” Wike claimed.

He dismissed Obi’s gestures like celebrating his birthday at an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp as mere political theatre.

“You cannot claim to be president by just holding a birthday party at an IDP camp. When you were governor, why didn’t you celebrate your birthday there? Now that you want to be president, you suddenly care about the less privileged. Who are you fooling? Enough is enough,” he said.

He also questioned Obi’s ability to lead, pointing to ongoing internal Labour Party conflicts.

“To run for president with a party you can’t even manage, a party in crisis, shows you are not fit to govern a complex nation like Nigeria. This responsibility is not for people like you,” Wike added.

At the event, he lauded a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Damian Dodo, for his civic responsibility. Dodo had privately alerted Wike to the poor condition of Kez Udezue Street, prompting a quick government response that led to road repairs within six months.

“That’s what good citizens do, they inform the government instead of lamenting on social media just for politics,” he said.

He expressed appreciation for Lubrik Construction and the FCT Administration for their role in the road project, pledging the ongoing government collaboration with committed partners to advance the territory’s development. FCT Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and emphasised that a prosperous Nigeria begins with a strong capital city.

She credited Wike’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” for revitalising infrastructure in the FCT and urged residents to care for the new roads, stating, “These roads belong to you; may they serve your daily lives with ease and safety.”