The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, claiming the governor lacks the political structure and internal unity required to successfully produce a successor.
Legit9ja reports that Wike made the remarks during a thank-you visit to Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he addressed party supporters and political stakeholders.
According to the former Rivers State governor, the political crisis confronting Governor Mohammed was self-inflicted, arising from what he described as poor leadership and unresolved internal party contradictions.
Wike alleged that Bala Mohammed once attempted to interfere in Rivers State politics by trying to impose party leadership, a move he said he firmly resisted.
“I warned him to be careful and to leave my state alone,” Wike said. “I told him there would be consequences, and today, he does not even have a party to produce his successor.”
The FCT minister also dismissed claims by the Bauchi governor that he was responsible for the political turmoil in the state.
“He said all the problems he is facing are because of me, that I claimed I would set the place on fire,” Wike stated. “If you have such power, go ahead and use it. Face your problems.”
Wike stressed that political leaders must understand their limitations and avoid conflicts they lack the capacity to manage.
“If you know you do not have the strength to fight, why not retreat? Why create problems you cannot manage?” he asked.
Reacting to personal attacks against him, including being labelled a semi-illiterate and a former motor washer, Wike said such remarks did not diminish his political achievements.
“I have no problem with that. At least I am semi-literate and not completely illiterate,” he said. “Someone who washed cars became a local government chairman, governor of one of the most important states in Nigeria, and a two-time minister.”
He also challenged his critics, particularly former lawmakers, to account for their years in public office instead of engaging in name-calling.
“If you served as a senator for eight years, tell your people what you did. That is not abuse; that is accountability,” Wike added.
Reaffirming his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Wike said Rivers State has benefited significantly from the current administration.
“The appointments Rivers State has received under President Tinubu have never happened in the history of this state,” he said. “That is why I can boldly tell Rivers people to support him.”
Wike further noted that political decisions should be guided by conscience, performance, and tangible results rather than convenience.
“Yes, we need money, but we cannot sell our conscience. We will always do the right thing,” he stated.
He also criticised politicians who align with every government in power regardless of principles, describing such behaviour as a failure of leadership.
“You cannot be in every government and never see anything wrong. That is not leadership,” Wike said.
The FCT minister concluded by expressing confidence in his political record, noting that Nigerians are increasingly judging leaders based on performance.
“When you tell people the truth, they get angry. But the truth remains the truth,” he added.