N15b VP’s house: Wike knocks Obi, dares protesters

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has knocked this year’s presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, over his comments against the Federal Government’s plan to spend N15 billion on the residence of the Vice President.

On Monday, Obi faulted the N15 billion allocation for the Vice President’s residence in a series of tweets on his X handle.

He faulted the plan, saying it was “shocking and disheartening”, considering the many important challenges facing the country.

Vice President Kashim Shettima responded immediately, berating the former Anambra State governor.

A statement by Shettima’s media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, accused Obi of dancing “naked in the public square, trying to curry the attention of those who care to listen to his falsehood and warped opinions about waste”.

In his response, Wike said Obi was still deluding himself that he won the 2023 presidential elections, despite ending up in a distant third position in the February 25 poll.

The FCT minister spoke during the flag-off of the resurfacing of roads in Asokoro District of Abuja.

He said rather than commend the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the LP chieftain and other election losers were whipping up sentiments.

Wike said: “People should commend the administration and not make statements, blackmailing and telling the public lies, just like they told that they won an election when they never won any election.

“Nigerians know those who won elections through the electorate. Nigerians know those who won the election through social media. Let them continue to tell lies.”

Commenting on the action of some protesters calling for his removal from office, the FCT minister said:

“On Wednesday, somebody told me that there were some people who were carrying placards. Frankly speaking, I don’t have time to even see that; I was busy. I don’t want to be distracted. We want to be focused and deliver on the mandate Tinubu has given to us.

“One thing you must also understand is that this is democracy. So, people are entitled to their opinions. But what is important is: your opinion must be in line with what is good for the people of the FCT.

“We cannot continue to do the same thing, the same way and expect to achieve different results. One of the big things about leadership is that you must be firm and bold and courageous to make a decision. We have taken decisions to make sure that our people are happy with this administration.

“We have taken a decision to make sure that we will do the best for the people, as mandated by President Bola Tinubu.”

Wike added: “In the policies you make, it may not favour so many people. But what is important is if the generality of people, and not some people who benefit at the detriment of others.

“When you bring a policy that will bring change, so many people will kick against it. The few who benefit will kick against it. But when you are focused, they have no choice but to align themselves with the policies of the government…”

Reminding critics about the condition of the FCT before the current administration came on board, Wike said: “Let me tell Nigerians: you must commend the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigerians forget easily. As the time we came onboard, all the contractors abandoned their work. Today, you can see that all the contactors have returned to site.”

Also, Wike’s support swelled yesterday.

Several groups, including Abuja indigenes, under the aegis of Nigerians Patriotic Forum; Rivers State elders, under the Coalition of Rivers Leaders of Thoughts; and a coalition of 124 civil society organisations (CSOs), under the aegis of Coalition of FCT Indigenes and Residents, expressed support for the minister’s actions.

They urged President Bola Tinubu to ignore those calling for his sack and allow him to sanitise the capital city.