The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has asserted that he will continue to challenge the camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
At a luncheon he hosted for members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to him in Port Harcourt, Wike also expressed his unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu.
In response, Atiku characterized Wike’s remarks as a sign of the resentment stemming from his defeat in the 2022 presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Meanwhile, Obi’s spokesman, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, stated that they would not respond to Wike’s comments.
Wike argued that Atiku’s supporters believe he undermined their presidential aspirations, emphasizing that he is only seeking fairness, justice, and equity.
During the event, Wike claimed that Nigerians have rejected Atiku and ridiculed him for his loss in the 2023 presidential election. He added, “If you say an election we did not contest indicates that Nigerians have rejected us, that’s fine. But you, who contested and lost badly, have also been rejected by Nigerians; it’s time to go home.”
Wike stated, “Everything happening with Atiku’s group, Peter Obi’s group, and certain PDP governors indicates that they see me as a problem. And I will continue to be that problem for them.
“The Atiku camp believes that my team and I hindered their chances of becoming president. We fought against injustice because we sought equity, fairness, and justice,” he added.
The former governor of Rivers State emphasized that he has no regrets about supporting the emergence of Tinubu as president.
“Many of you don’t fully grasp the struggle taking place. It’s not just about these individuals here; it goes much deeper.
“I want to make it clear: I have absolutely no regrets about backing President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and neither does my team.”
Wike also criticized Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for allegedly disrespecting former Nigerian Bar Association President Mr. OCJ Okocha (SAN). He expressed disappointment that Fubara, who was once regarded as his protégé before their political fallout, insulted the former Chairman of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council, Sergeant Awuse, and Chief Ferdinand Anabraba.
Wike referred to Awuse, Anabraba, and Okocha as “three wise men,” highlighting their sacrifices to ensure Fubara was elected as governor of Rivers State. He noted that last Thursday, one of these “wise men,” Okocha, was insulted by the governor.
Wike remarked, “On Thursday, another ‘wise man’ (referring to OCJ Okocha) was disrespected. When Okocha was called to the Bar, Fubara was still in primary school. This man insulted a PhD holder.”
He expressed satisfaction that he isn’t the only one who has experienced Fubara’s ingratitude, saying, “He has shown disrespect to the ‘wise men.’ One of them (Awuse) was removed as the Chairman of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council while he was in a coma, seeking support.”
Wike recalled that Fubara once referred to these three men as wise individuals who supported his rise to the governorship. He commented, “The wise men have now been turned upside down. It’s unfortunate; if you are a bad man, you are a bad man.”
In response, Atiku’s spokesman, Mr. Paul Ibe, said Nigerians are familiar with Wike’s antics, which reflect his lingering bitterness from the 2022 PDP presidential primary defeat. He described Wike’s comments as “a string of inanities, lacking substance and driven by personal grievances,” suggesting that Wike is more focused on personal interests than addressing the needs of the people.
Ibe stated that Atiku is dedicated to addressing the real issues affecting Nigerians, contrasting Wike’s self-absorption with his own ministerial responsibilities.
Obi’s spokesman, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, added that Obi and his media team would not respond to Wike. “But let him know that time will tell. Time is the ultimate judge,” he said.
