Wike slams Obi over public schools comment, questions sincerity

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his criticism of government’s alleged neglect of public schools in Nigeria.

Speaking at the commissioning of newly constructed roads in Mabushi District, Abuja, on Wednesday, Wike accused Obi of hypocrisy, questioning his sincerity and record in office as former governor of Anambra State.

Wike alleged that Obi, during his eight-year tenure, failed to complete key infrastructure projects in Anambra and instead diverted state funds into a bank where he allegedly had vested interests.

“Let me say this. Peter Obi, you were governor for eight years in Anambra State. If you had finished all the jobs in eight years, nobody would be talking about developing Anambra by now.

In eight years, instead of developing Anambra, you took the money and put it in the bank you have an interest in, Fidelity Bank,” Wike said.

The FCT Minister continued,
“Anambra State had problems. The money was there to develop Anambra State, but you only preferred profit. You then put the money for development in the bank where you have the largest shares, so profit will be coming while Anambra was suffering.”

Wike drew comparisons between Obi’s eight years as governor and his own two years as minister, claiming his administration had already achieved visible progress in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“Mr. Peter Obi, we just came into office two years ago. We have not even stayed four years, but you stayed eight good years. Compare two years in office of what we have done in FCT and compare eight years in Anambra.

Can you really say you love this country? Can you really say you love Anambra? Certainly not. If I were you, I would be quiet. Enough is enough.”

He also dismissed Obi’s recent birthday celebration at an IDP camp as a publicity stunt, describing it as insincere.

“You cannot be President of Nigeria only because you went to one IDP camp for a birthday party. Doing your birthday in an IDP camp does not mean you love Nigeria. When you were a governor, why didn’t you celebrate in an IDP camp?

It is now you want to be president that you suddenly care for the less privileged. Who will you deceive? Enough is enough,” Wike added.

Wike went on to praise Damian Dodo (SAN), who he described as a model citizen for drawing the government’s attention to the poor state of Ken Udezue Street, which has now been rehabilitated. He commended the Lubrik Construction Company and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) for their work.

“Who is called a good citizen? Not a good man, but a good citizen. Good citizens are those who think well about the welfare of their country and where they come from,” Wike said.

He announced that the FCT Administration would honor Dodo for his civic responsibility, adding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring infrastructure development and educational improvement across sectors.

“Next week, we will show you what we have done in public schools in just two years. Everything must not be propaganda. If you are a responsible citizen, it’s not to go to social media to seek love; governance is beyond that,” he said.

In her remarks, FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, praised President Tinubu’s leadership and Wike’s commitment to delivering results. She noted that the administration’s focus on infrastructure renewal was already transforming Abuja and improving residents’ quality of life.