During the inauguration of the New Edo Line Transport Service in Benin City, Edo State, on Tuesday, Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, criticised Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate.

Wike accused Obi of serving food at a recent event he attended, labelling it a shameful act and suggesting it was an attempt by Obi to appear humble and deceive Nigerians.

Wike's remarks highlight the ongoing political tensions and differing perceptions of humility and behaviour among Nigerian leaders.

“This is not where a presidential candidate will begin to serve food. No! No!! How long will he be serving the food? As a president, you will be carrying food and serving (sic). And then Nigerians are laughing. Who told you that is humility?

“And you people give audience to that kind of thing. And somebody will be telling you that as a presidential candidate, he will be using commercial flight, and you will think he is telling you the truth. Which security personnel will allow you?

“We must tell ourselves the simple truth. Nigerians, you like people who will play you ‘wayo’. When he was governor, was he serving food? And now election is coming, he has begun serving food at an event.”

The former governor also voiced support for Edo State Governor, Monday Okpehbolo, regarding his remarks about Obi.

During a rally in Benin City last Friday, Okpebholo advised Obi to secure proper security clearance before making any visits to the state.

He also recounted that during Obi’s previous visit, when he donated N15 million to a local nursing school, unrest erupted, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals.

“If Peter Obi wants to come here, he should seek proper security clearance. We cannot guarantee his safety otherwise, if anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking,” he had said.

Wike said Okpehbolo was right to insist on prior notice from visiting political figures for security reasons, adding that the governor’s stance was in the best interest of public safety.

The ex-Governor of Rivers State said, “All I am saying is, if you are coming, tell me because I am here to protect you.

“You didn’t say, ‘Don’t come.’ But people play politics. They give people money to go on television and twist facts.”

ASA