FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has criticised the opposition presidential ticket of Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi, questioning their records in public office and defending President Bola Tinubu’s policies.
Wike made the remarks during a media parley, where he challenged the opposition figures to account for their records in government, while insisting that Nigerians should assess political candidates based on their achievements rather than campaign promises.
Speaking about Atiku, the minister said he would not support the former vice president, citing allegations of corruption that he attributed to a former president who hady worked with him.
“I will not go with such a person,” Wike said, adding that he regretted allowing Atiku to work with him in the past.
He also questioned the political prospects of the Atiku-Amaechi ticket, arguing that Amaechi’s previous positions in government had not translated into sufficient development for the South-South region.
Wike challenged the former Rivers State governor to identify projects and investments he attracted to the region during his time as Minister of Transportation.
The minister also disputed suggestions that the opposition ticket was gaining significant support in northern Nigeria, citing Amaechi’s previous election performances and political engagements to argue that past records should inform voters’ assessment of candidates.
Wike maintained that his position was based on his experience in Nigerian politics and said the public should examine what political officeholders had achieved before seeking further mandates.
On the removal of petrol subsidy, the FCT minister defended the Tinubu administration’s decision, arguing that it had increased allocations to state and local governments and provided them with more resources to fund infrastructure and meet their financial obligations.
He said the removal of the subsidy had created hardship but maintained that the sacrifice would ultimately benefit Nigerians.
“Mr President has said the removal of this subsidy will cause some hardship, but it will not be a hardship that will be there forever,” Wike said.
The minister also defended his administration’s performance in the Federal Capital Territory, citing rural road construction, the provision of police stations and engagement with traditional rulers and community stakeholders as evidence of its activities.
He said the administration planned to commission at least 10 projects before the end of December, adding that regular communication with residents had helped build confidence in the government.
On concerns over water supply in parts of the FCT, Wike said the government had laid the necessary infrastructure and residents would need to make arrangements to connect their properties to the network.
He also addressed the delayed elevation of some traditional rulers and the distribution of staff of office, saying arrangements were being made to present the relevant certificates.
Responding to questions about the strike by teachers in the FCT, Wike accused the labour leadership of engaging in political blackmail and alleged that the dispute was being used to undermine the administration.
He rejected the allegation that the government was responsible for the strike, insisting that his administration had provided basic infrastructure in schools.
Wike said the government would not allow political considerations to derail its programmes, urging critics to assess its performance through projects delivered and engagements with residents.
Boluwatife Enome
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