Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stirred national debate with a fiery declaration that Nigeria was "practically dead" before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in 2023. He insisted that only tough, sometimes unpopular decisions can steer the country back to life.
Speaking during a thanksgiving service held at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja, after the commissioning of 16 projects in the FCT, Wike defended the Tinubu administration’s policies amid mounting public discontent.
“The country was dead,” Wike declared. “It takes hard decisions to bring it back to life. We are aware that we have challenges. But after just two years of a country that had been run down, we expect a miracle worker?”
He likened Nigeria’s situation to an ill patient, warning that healing a broken nation is not an instant miracle but a process requiring resolve and sacrifice.
“We Almost Made a Terrible Mistake in 2023” — Wike Cautions Church Against Political Sentiment
The FCT Minister also issued a stern warning to religious leaders, urging them not to fall prey to political propaganda ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Let me use this opportunity to address the Church – we nearly made the worst mistake in 2023. We must be very careful this time around,” Wike said, referring to what he described as an emotional push for the wrong candidate in the last presidential election.
Without mincing words, Wike took direct shots at Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, accusing him of hypocrisy.
“Peter Obi was governor for eight years. He never conducted local government elections. Never. Yet, you say he is a democrat? Back then, Nigerians were not angry. But now they are. President where?!”
“Those Who Failed to Develop Nigeria Are Now Shouting ‘Rescue’”
Wike continued his criticism of political opponents, accusing them of squandering their time in office and now masquerading as messiahs.
He referenced the recent renovation of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, revealing that the previous managers paid only N50 million annually, despite gross underperformance.
“We shut it down and renovated it in just six or seven months. Now, we've made over N700 million in just three weeks. The same people who were paying N50 million say they want to rescue Nigeria. That’s their idea of leadership.”
The Minister challenged critics to show evidence of their past performance.
“Ask me what I did as governor of Rivers State. I can show you. Today, as FCT Minister, I can show you results. Can they say the same?”
Insecurity, Oil Fraud Preceded Tinubu — Wike
Addressing the worsening security and economic concerns, Wike dismissed claims that Tinubu's administration created the problems, pointing instead to longstanding systemic issues.
“Were train bombings under Tinubu’s administration? No. The oil subsidy scam – was Tinubu the president then? No. But someone has now come to say ‘enough is enough’ and stop the bleeding.”
Wike concluded by urging Nigerians to be patient and continue praying for the president.
“Forget those who had the chance to fix Nigeria and failed. They won’t get that opportunity again. All I ask is patience and prayers for Mr. President.”
The Minister's remarks have sparked intense reactions across political and civil society circles, with critics accusing him of political grandstanding, while supporters hail him for speaking “hard truths.”
