Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has launched a scathing attack on the leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, particularly Interim National Chairman David Mark, Interim Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, and former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi. Wike’s criticism stems from their recent claims that Nigerians are angry with President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!During his monthly media chat in Abuja, Wike questioned the sincerity of Mark’s assertion that the ADC coalition aims to “rescue Nigeria” due to Nigerians’ supposed anger. Wike pointed to Mark’s eight-year tenure as Senate President, asking what tangible projects he delivered, particularly in his hometown of Otukpo. “He was Senate President for eight years, were Nigerians happy?” Wike queried. “There was no single project in Otukpo – Nigerians were not angry then, they are only angry now?”
Wike also targeted Amaechi, accusing him of accumulating foreign debt during his time as Minister of Transportation. “When Amaechi was minister for eight years, Nigerians were not angry, when Nigeria became indebted, Chinese loan, Nigerians were happy; it’s now that they are angry,” Wike stated.
The FCT Minister expressed dismay that these politicians would use Nigerians for their own political gain, suggesting that their claims of Nigerians’ anger are opportunistic. “It’s unfortunate that they will use Nigerians to play politics up and down,” Wike lamented.
Wike further challenged Mark, Amaechi, and others to reflect on their contributions while in power. “When you were there, what contribution did you make? History will hold you responsible,” he warned. “When in position, what was your contribution in making sure we are where we are today, we are not there?”
The minister also referenced the collapse of Air Nigeria during Hadi Sirika’s tenure as Aviation Minister, asking what happened to the airline. “What happened to Air Nigeria – Nigerians are happy,” Wike said sarcastically.
In addition, Wike criticized Abubakar Malami’s comments, describing them as “embarrassing” and “foolish.” “Why are they using the words ‘Nigerians are angry’?” Wike asked, emphasizing that these politicians should be held accountable for their past actions.
This development highlights the deepening political tensions in Nigeria, with Wike’s rebuke underscoring the ADC coalition’s challenges in convincing Nigerians of their genuine concern for the country’s welfare.