By Sarah NEGEDU
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday berated the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his recent criticism of public schools in Abuja, accusing him of playing politics on social media instead of contributing to governance.
Wike, who spoke during the commissioning of newly constructed Roads ILS11 (Esther Bali Street) and MAR24 (Ken Udezue Street) in Mabushi District, said it was hypocritical for Obi to attack the government over education standards when he failed to address similar challenges as governor of Anambra State.
His comments followed Obi’s visit to LEA Primary School, Kapwa, where the former governor described the condition of the school as a “national disgrace” that exposed Nigeria’s neglect of education.
Reacting, Wike said responsible citizens should draw government’s attention to problem areas constructively, not through propaganda or social media theatrics.
Wike said, “For example, I hear one of the social media presidential candidates went to one of the local authority area schools and was saying that government has abandoned public schools. His name is Mr Peter Obi. It is not everything you must play politics.”
The minister accused Obi of prioritising profit over development during his tenure in Anambra State, saying he had no moral standing to criticise others.
“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,” Wike said. “Instead of developing Anambra, you took the money and put it in the bank you have interest, Fidelity Bank. The money was there to develop Anambra State, but you only preferred profit.”
He challenged Obi to compare his record in Anambra with the FCT Administration’s performance under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“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 office 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,” the minister said.
Wike also dismissed what he described as Obi’s “performative philanthropy,” saying public office seekers should focus on substance rather than staged compassion.
“You cannot be president of Nigeria only when you go to one IDP camp for a birthday party,” he said. “Doing your birthday party in an IDP camp does not mean you love Nigeria. When you were governor, why didn’t you do your birthday party in an IDP camp? It is now you want to be president that you remember the less privileged. Who will you deceive? Enough is enough.”
The minister used the occasion to commend Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Damian Dodo, for drawing his attention to the poor state of Ken Udezue Street, which prompted the administration’s swift reconstruction of the road.
“That is what good citizens should do, not to go on social media to attack government for political reasons,” he said.
Wike applauded the Federal Capital Development Authority and contractor, for the quality and speed of the project delivery, adding that the administration will continue to partner with firms and individuals committed to the FCT’s development.
He said similar projects approved by President Tinubu were ongoing, including an alternative access road for the Body of Benchers and 600-bed hostels for the Nigerian Law School in Bwari.
Also speaking, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, for his steady leadership and commitment to the vision that Nigeria’s prosperity begins with a functional and thriving capital city.
She urged residents to take ownership of public infrastructure, noting that the newly commissioned roads belong to them and should be maintained for their safety and daily comfort.
