Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s administration against criticisms, insisting that the government’s policies are beginning to yield results despite the economic hardship facing Nigerians.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Wike argued that the government deserves commendation for recent successes in the fight against terrorism.
He disclosed that foreign governments such as the United States and United Kingdom have praised Nigeria’s security agencies for their operations.
“For some time now, look at the steps the government has been taking. For the first time, look at the United States, United Kingdom commending the Nigerian government.
“Terrorists have been looking for years to destroy our efforts, but our security agencies were able to penetrate them. And America and the UK commended us more than anything,” Wike said.
The minister acknowledged that Nigerians are enduring tough times due to reforms such as fuel subsidy removal, but maintained that the sacrifices are necessary.
According to him, while petrol prices initially surged after subsidy removal, they have “started coming down a bit,” showing signs of market adjustment.
He stressed that both rural and urban residents are affected by the state of the economy, dismissing claims that only people in villages bear the brunt of hardship.
“You cannot say only those living in rural areas are suffering. Those in the city also feel the pain when the economy is bad. Every Nigerian is entitled to have a good living,” he said.
Wike also responded to opposition voices, including his longtime political rival and former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, who has criticised Tinubu’s administration.
He accused Amaechi of lacking the moral authority to speak on corruption, citing unresolved issues from his time as governor.
According to him, “A man comes to tell you he will solve the issue of corruption in one month. But this same man closed down the state high court for almost two years. Can such a man really fight corruption?”
The minister referenced judicial inquiries which he said indicted Amaechi. “He was really indicted. He went to court. The court said, yes, the panel was right. He went to the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal said the panel was right. He went to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court affirmed the judgment,” he said.
The former Rivers governor further alleged that Amaechi mismanaged several projects, including the state’s monorail and other investments, while questioning the transparency of certain financial dealings under his administration.
“Our gas provider, 380 million US dollars, he sold it to the Sahara. Where is the money? Which account did he pay to? He spent 30 million US dollars on Kalibu Heart Hospital. Where is the foundation of the hospital? He spent 74 billion naira on the monorail. Where is the monorail?” Wike stated.
On the wider political landscape, Wike dismissed suggestions that the opposition coalition poses a serious threat ahead of the 2027 elections, saying criticisms of the government are often exaggerated. He maintained that while the administration’s reforms are painful, they are designed to stabilise the economy in the long run.
“The question is, when will it ease? It may not be today, but Nigerians will see the benefits in the future,” Wike said.
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