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Wike Destroyed PDP, Not In Position to Talk About Character – Abati Slams FCT Minister

Reuben Abati, a veteran journalist and former Senior Adviser on Media and Publicity to former President Goodluck Jonathan has lashed out at FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
He accused Wike of destroying the Peoples Democratic Party.
Abati was reacting to Wike’s statement warning the PDP not to field Peter Obi in the 2027 election.
He also warned the party against allowing former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest under the party.
Abati slammed Wike, saying he doesn’t have the moral ground to speak recklessly and unintelligently about Peter Obi, Goodluck Johnathan and Nasir El-Rufai.
Abati urged the minister to question his own character rather than attacking other political opponents.
Abati, the lead anchor in the popular Arise TV breakfast talk show, Morning Show, stated this on Tuesday.
He said: “Now he is saying that if Mr Peter Obi comes back to the PDP, the PDP will be destroyed, because Peter Obi doesn’t have the character having condemned PDP as a rotten party to come back to the PDP.
 
“Wike is not in a position to talk about character. Okay, he is not the one to talk about character. In fact, if he talks about character, he should question his own character.
 
“I don’t know why people have problems with basic intelligence and decorum. He goes on television, and he says, you know, ‘Peter Obi doesn’t have character. Peter Obi left PDP and went to Labor Party, now he’s in ADC’. In fact, it is Wike himself that destroyed the party.
 
“And he also says, ‘President Jonathan should not come back, come and run on the platform of the PDP because he’s a statesman and all of that’. He’s not in a position to advise President Jonathan just as he has made it clear that nobody can advise him.
 
“Who is he to determine the destiny of the Peoples Democratic Party when he is already in another political party? I blame the media. The media gives him platform to disparage other political opponents.
 
“Yesterday, was talking about Peter Obi. He was talking about President Jonathan. He was talking about Nasir El-Rufai. What gives him that moral high ground to talk recklessly and unintelligently? Because the media, what is the media looking for? The the media, they are the ones who go to interviewing. They are the ones who collect money to put him on the air.
 
“If he’s talking about the FCT, yes, fine. But if it’s disparaging all that political opponents, the media has an obligation to give all the other persons that have been disparaged to have a right of reply.
 
“So we should not create a situation whereby, for monetary reasons, the Nigerian media is sucking up to a minister of the Federal Republic, who, in my view, is overreaching himself.”
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Court Has Not Declared Rivers LG Poll Illegal – Wike Replies Atiku, Obi

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has pushed back against those slamming the recently conducted Rivers State Local government election.
Replying Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, he stated that the court has not declared the Rivers State local government election illegal.
Atiku and Obi had in separate statements described the exercise as unlawful.
Wike, while speaking during a media parley on Monday, said the polls were legally conducted and commended by many for being free and fair.
“Listen, I don’t blame Atiku; he didn’t know that his boss signed the emergency rule in 2004. If he knew, if he was obedient and working along with his boss, who was President Olusegun Obasanjo, he would have known that the President has the power to make regulations for the governance of emergency areas.
 
“So, he was not in tune. He doesn’t know, and as I said, what you don’t know, don’t comment about it. If Atiku had comments about Customs, I know he has worked in Customs. I can give it to him, but this is law.”
The minister added that Obi lacked the moral right to speak about the conduct of elections.
 
“Now take Peter Obi. He said rascality. Who can be more [of a] rascal than Obi? Obi was the governor of Anambra State for eight years. He conducted local government elections two months before he left office — eight years as governor.”
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State Of Emergency In Rivers Expires On September 18 – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday, expressed optimism that the state of emergency in Rivers State will end on September 18.

Wike said that, with the expiration, the Rivers State Assembly is expected to resume its duties.

He spoke after casting his vote in the ongoing local government election in Rivers State.

President Bola Tinubu had declared emergency rule in Rivers State to prevent the outbreak of a political crisis. Tinubu had suspended Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly for six months.

However, Wike said: “As far as we are concerned, this election is peaceful, people are trooping out and at the end of the day the election has been conducted successfully and peacefully.

“I do know that by September 18, the state of emergency will expire and the state assembly will come back to their job and we will have a government at the grassroots level.”

He said further: “The coast is clear for the state of emergency to be lifted, being that the state government has its representative and the local government has its representatives, so we are good to go.”

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I Will Support Anyone Who Backs Tinubu – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has pledged to give his support to President Bola Tinubu.
This is as he also called on residents of Abuja to support Tinubu, stating that he will support anyone who supports Tinubu.
Wike made the statement while commending former Senator representing the FCT, Philip Aduda, and the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Christopher Maikalangu, during the flag-off of Lot 2 of Water Supply Projects in Karu, on Thursday.
The minister hailed both men for their capacity and for bringing development to the people, while promising the construction of a 2km road in Karu site, on the request of Aduda, adding that he will support those who continue to support the Tinubu-led administration.
He further commended the AMAC Chairman, Maikalangu, as “very good and hardworking”, noting that the latter had used his access to government to deliver several projects to his residents in the area council, adding that his administration will do, whatever he asked if he (Maikalangu) won his re-election bid as council chairman.
“There is a road where you said is about 2km, is it not? Consider it done. You know, one thing about government and politics, support those who have capacity to bring something to the people. Support those that government will listen to.
 
“From what happened now, you see that Aduda, government has his ear where he is. And that’s why government said where is that road he mentioned? Consider it done.
 
“You can see that since he (Maikalangu) became the Chairman of AMAC, he has brought government to do Saburi Road, he has brought the government to do Kabusa-Takushere Road, he has brought government to redo this road. He has brought government to do Deidei Road.
 
“For me, I’m here to talk about those who have access to government and bring something to the people.
 
“The chairman has access to us. Anything he tells us, we will do. This is the only man I know. If he wins as chairman of AMAC, we will give him whatever he wants. I don’t know the party he belongs to. But I know that he supports Tinubu. Anybody who supports Tinubu, I will support him,” Wike said.
The minister pointed out that past governments had failed to provide the needs of the people, particularly water supply to the communities in Karu, noting that the government of Tinubu has fulfilled its promise to provide potable water to satellite towns.
“We have had a government who stayed here for five years, isn’t that correct? We have had a government who stayed here for eight years too, is that correct? Has any government come to say, look, we will provide you water? Have you had water before? Did this government promise it will give you water? Have we come now to give you water?
 
“So, you believe you have a covenant with this government. And the covenant is like somebody said, agreement is agreement. So, the people of Karu, you will readily remember the government that remembers you, is it not correct?
 
“Will you remember those who had the opportunity and they refused to do anything for you? Will you remember those who left Karu unattended, will you remember them? So, we have come to fulfil the promise we made to you, that you must have clean and potable water,” he stated.
PUNCH Online reports that Aduda represented the FCT on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party between 2011 and 2015, and was re-elected in 2015 and again in 2019, before losing the seat in the 2023 general elections.
Meanwhile, Maikalangu is seeking re-election as Chairman of AMAC in the forthcoming February 2026 Area Council elections, on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress, after defecting from the PDP in 2024.
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2027: Amaechi Cannot Be Nigeria’s President – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike has opined that a former Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi cannot be President in 2027.
According to him, the reason is because Amaechi would be the last person to be considered for the party’s ticket.
Wike also alleged that former Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Babachir Lawal, is angry with President Bola Tinubu because he was not chosen as vice president.
Speaking in an interview on Channels Television monitored in Abuja on Tuesday night, Wike claimed Lawal personally visited him in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, alongside a former Speaker of the House of Representatives shortly after Tinubu announced his running mate.
On Amaechi’s ambition, Wike ridiculed the former Rivers governor’s recent claim that he knew the weaknesses of President Tinubu and could defeat him, saying the former Rivers governor had been “mercilessly” defeated in past contests.
He said: “The last person they will give a ticket to is Amaechi. That is dead on arrival. In 2014 and 2015, when he was governor, we defeated him. In 2019, when he was Minister and Director General of Buhari’s campaign, we also defeated him. Even in 2023, when he supported another candidate, he still lost. So how would he now claim the capacity to win?”Wike queried.
The minister maintained that Amaechi’s record in previous elections shows he lacks the political strength to actualize a presidential bid, even in a new party platform.
Wike also advised the former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal to clear his name before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC instead of politicizing his recent invitation by the anti-graft agency.
Speaking on Lawal’s grievance, he said it stemmed from his expectation that he would be selected as the vice presidential candidate.
“What was his anger? His anger was that he thought Mr President would have chosen him as the vice presidential candidate. Having not done that, heaven would have to let loose. He wanted to become vice president; that is very obvious,” Wike said.
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You Can’t Dictate For PDP — Ologunagba Tells Wike

The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Debo Ologunagba lashed out at the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
According to him, Wike cannot stipulate conditions for the party.
Ologunagba, who made this statement on Wednesday during a press conference, was reacting to a recent remark by Wike.
He said that the party does not take instructions from anyone, noting that the caretaker committee will remain until a fresh congress is held in the South-South.
“PDP has not, and will not, take conditions from anybody. We will follow our constitution anyway. We have a South-South zonal caretaker committee, and they have been functioning as such.
 
“When congresses to fill those vacancies come up, every eligible member from that zone will be entitled to contest,” he said.
According to him, members are free to leave the party but warned that doing so would be to their detriment, calling it a “voyage of no discovery.”
Ologunagba stated further that the PDP is unique and former members are welcome to return.
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“No government, not even in 20 years, can solve all problems” – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that it is unrealistic to expect any government, including the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration, to solve every problem facing the nation’s capital.

Wike made the remark on Monday during a media parley in Abuja, where he addressed questions on ongoing development efforts and concerns about uncommissioned projects in the FCT.

“I will not say here that every problem has been solved,” Wike said. All problems cannot be solved, even if this government stays for 20 years; no government can solve all problems.

He, however, stressed that while not all issues can be tackled at once, the administration is making deliberate efforts to improve the standard of living for residents.

“But government is solving problems that at least will help to improve the lives of people,” he added.

Wike also addressed criticisms regarding the absence of formal commissioning for several ongoing projects.

According to him, only capital-intensive projects with significant financial investments are highlighted through formal ceremonies.

“It’s not realistic to commission every single project,” he said. “We take what we think are major, capital-intensive projects, ones where billions of naira have been spent, and showcase those. But for smaller projects, do we really need to commission everything?”

He encouraged journalists to partner with the government by joining Mandate Secretaries on site visits to witness first-hand the progress being made in key sectors, including education and social services.

“We’re not claiming perfection,” Wike said. “But we’re doing what will at least make a difference in the lives of the people, and that’s the whole point of governance.

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There Is No Govt That Can Resolve All Issues – Wike

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has stated that no government can resolve all issues affecting its people.

According to Wike, an administration that has been in power for up to 20 years still has issues.

The Minister stated this during an inspection of road projects in the Bwari Area Council on Wednesday.

He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the present administration led by President Bola Tinubu benefit all areas of Abuja, including the city and its satellite towns.

During his inspection, Wike noted, “When we went to Kwaita, you can see how long the road is, and we are now in Yongo Sukuk. I can hardly believe what I’ve seen. I thank Almighty God that the Renewed Hope Agenda is alive and working.”

Commenting on the contractors’ performance, he acknowledged the challenges posed by this year’s heavy rains but expressed satisfaction with the progress.

“We gave them until December to complete this project, and I am impressed by their work quality in these rural areas. I have visited various sites, including Dutse, Ushafa, and Kwaita, and I am genuinely impressed by their efforts,
” he said.

Wike pledged that funding would allow contractors to demonstrate a commitment to their projects.

He further emphasised the importance of firsthand observation in assessing project progress, saying, “It is beneficial for us to tour and see the conditions on the ground rather than relying on reports.

“We have seen farmland and ample land for agriculture, and if the government can make the most of this, we would not have to worry about food security.

“Government is a continuum. We will try to complete whatever projects we can. No government can resolve all issues; even a 20-year administration still faces challenges. What matters is that citizens can see efforts being made to alleviate their burdens,” he said.

Wike assured residents that the city and surrounding satellite towns will experience the positive impacts of the current administration’s initiatives

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Rivers Crisis: Ijaw Group Accuses President Tinubu of Supporting Wike

President Bola Tinubu has been accused of supporting the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike in the crisis rocking Rivers state.
This is according to President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba.
He said Tinubu has failed to call Wike to order.
Okaba stated that for the President to remain quiet while Wike was causing embarrassment in his state and the nation showed that he was supporting him, saying Wike had dared the Ijaw nation and that the Ijaw nation was angry.
This is as he said the Ijaw nation has suffered marginalisation for too long despite hosting oil resources and installations that sustain the country, saying the Ijaw nation and the people of the Niger Delta can longer guarantee the safety of the oil facilities in the region.
He stated this while speaking to newsmen shortly after arriving at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday when he led hundreds of Ijaws youths on a solidarity march to the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

According to him, “We are already angered that the government of President Bola Tinubu has marginalised Ijaw people. In Delta State, where three persons were picked for a federal appointment, none are from the Ijaw nation.’
 
“Meanwhile, the Ijaws are the most economically viable in that state. We are noting all of this. But for him to keep quiet and allow Wike to misbehave shows that there is some tacit support. And we shall not take that.
 
“As we speak, our people are so angered; our people are so frustrated to the extent that we can no longer guarantee if things continue in this way, the safety of the oil installations in Ijaw land and our region.”
He added, “And if you (President) take us for granted, continue. A day shall tell whether the Ijaw people are still those who will say a thing and make it come to pass.
 
“Since 1958, Nigeria has been surviving on the oil that comes from Ijaw land. Today, we are crying about marginalisation; we call it environmental degradation.
 
“The Ijaw nation is most affected when you talk of climate change and all that. But daily, we are treated as if we are not humans. This must stop.
 
“40 million Ijaw people are angered and aggrieved. And they are saying that a slap on Governor Fubara is a slap on the entire Ijaw nation.
 
“Any attempt to further close up or political space to remove Siminalayi Fubara from office is a call for fire.”
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You Have Insatiable Thirst For Power – Dele Momodu Tells Wike Amid Feud With Fubara

 

Nigerian journalist cum politician, Dele momodu has reacted to the rift between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, which led to the arson attack on the Rivers Assembly.

Governor Fubara had claimed that Wike was not allowing him to carry out his duties as Governor of the State efficiently. However, his decision to defy Wike’s authority spawned conspiracies to impeach him on the floor of the State Assembly, generating chaos in the state.

Responding to the Wike-Fubara feud in a tweet via his official X handle, Momodu claimed Wike was possessed by his thirst for power.

“ANOTHER KOBO ADVICE FOR MR EZENWO NYESOM WIKE… My dear Honorable Brother, good morning and happy new month. I’m here once again to tell you the home truth. Let me establish two incontrovertible facts, you’re a very fantastic projects man and you’re very generous to your friends. But, like every mortal, you have one tragic and fatal flaw, and yours is LACK OF ANGER MANAGEMENT,
” Mr Momodu in a tweet said.

“I DO NOT KNOW ANYONE WITH YOUR KIND OF DIVINE FAVOUR. This should satisfy you but your insatiable hunger and thirst for power is driving you into believing that you must have your way all the time. It would have been nice if you’re in private business and running your personal enterprise. But RIVERS is neither your property nor perpetual inheritance,”
 he added.

His comment comes just as the leadership of the PDP intensifies efforts to settle the dispute between the FCT minster and his predecessor. PDP governors had met with Governor Fubara in the aftermath of the power play on Tuesday.