The attention of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has been drawn to the reckless, condescending, and utterly unnecessary outburst by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, against Mr Peter Obi, a respected national leader, former Governor, and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections.
While we understand that leadership requires a thick skin and restraint, Mr Wike has once again demonstrated that arrogance and noise are not substitutes for vision and decency. His statement was not only undignified but also beneath the office he currently occupies.
Mr Peter Obi’s simple and factual observation about the poor state of a public primary school in the FCT, one without toilets, chairs, or basic learning facilities, should have provoked action, not irritation. Leadership is about service, not ego. If a citizen, no matter who he is, points out decay in governance, a responsible minister fixes it, not fights it.
Mr Wike’s attempt to compare his two years of spending in the FCT to Mr Obi’s prudent eight years in Anambra is laughable. History and records show that Peter Obi left billions in reserves, no debts, and world-class educational and health indices. Wike, on the other hand, is busy turning the FCT into a theatre of self-glorification, awarding contracts for the cameras, not for the people.
The ADC in the FCT reminds Mr Wike that abuse is not performance. You can commission all the roads you like, but if children in Abuja are still learning without toilets, desks, or dignity, then your “development” is hollow.
We call on the Minister to focus on governance, not gossip. Abuja deserves a builder, not a brawler; a visionary, not a verbal combatant.
The ADC stands with all responsible citizens, including Mr Peter Obi and Dr Moses Paul, the ADC Chairmanship Candidate for AMAC, who are drawing attention to the real issues: education, dignity, inclusion, and accountability.
Mr Wike, respect yourself and your office. Leadership is not a shouting match; it is a sacred trust.