FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has stated that Nigeria was in a state of total collapse before President Bola Tinubu took office, asserting that the nation was “dead” and required tough decisions to revive it. Speaking at a thanksgiving service in Saint James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, Wike acknowledged that the country still faces serious issues but praised Tinubu for his bold steps aimed at national recovery. He emphasized that progress cannot happen overnight and urged citizens, especially the Church, to be patient and realistic in their expectations.
Wike used the opportunity to caution the Christian community against repeating what he described as a near-catastrophic political error in 2023, referencing the widespread support for Labour Party’s Peter Obi. He argued that the Church was misled by emotions rather than facts and urged congregants to ask hard questions and avoid political propaganda in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. Wike criticized Obi’s record as Anambra governor, particularly his failure to conduct local government elections for eight years, questioning his democratic credentials.
The minister also accused previous administrations and certain opposition figures of mismanaging public resources while pretending to be reformers. He cited the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre as an example, revealing that under former management, the Centre generated only ₦50 million annually for the government, compared to ₦700 million in just three weeks following renovation. He insisted that many of those now seeking to “rescue Nigeria” had failed to develop their own states while in power, and are only critical now that they’ve lost relevance.
In conclusion, Wike dismissed criticisms against Tinubu’s government as politically motivated and unfair, especially since many current problems predated the current administration. He noted that issues like train bombings and oil subsidy fraud existed long before Tinubu took office. Highlighting his own record as a performing governor and now FCT minister, Wike urged the Church to support Tinubu’s efforts through prayers and patience, stressing that those who failed Nigeria in the past should not be allowed another opportunity to deceive the people.
