By Remi Johnson
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Nyesom Wike, has said that Nigerians are angry with failed past leaders, not with the Tinubu-led administration.
He made this known while speaking during a Thanksgiving service at Saint James Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja, held to mark the successful completion of several infrastructural projects commissioned in the FCT.
Wike dismissed recent criticisms by opposition elements, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he accused of insincerity.
According to Wike, the so-called “Rescue Nigeria Mission” being championed by the ADC is nothing more than an attempt to secure personal interests. He argued that the opposition’s political inconsistency over the years has been a major source of public distrust.
“How can Nigerians not be angry with you? In 1999, you were at another party, in 2006, you moved to another party, and in 2014, you moved to another party. In 2019, you moved back to another party. Now, in 2025, you are moving to another party. To rescue who? You want to rescue your stomach. It’s not Nigeria you want to rescue.”
The FCT Minister accused past leaders of hypocrisy, noting that they failed to make any significant impact while in office, including neglecting issues in their own states.
“People had the opportunity to be in government for several years; people had the opportunity to bring infrastructure to their states; they didn’t do it. At that time, Nigerians were not angry. It is now that they are not in office that Nigerians are angry,” Wike stated.
He highlighted challenges inherited by the Tinubu administration, such as insecurity, poor infrastructure, fuel subsidy removal, bombings, and huge indebtedness, as part of the burdens left by previous administrations.
Wike acknowledged that the FCT is not yet where it ought to be, but stressed that it is certainly not where it was two years ago, pointing out that residents were already recognizing the changes.
“Yes, we cannot say we have completely changed Abuja but you can see the processes and the steps being taken to put Abuja where it is supposed to be.”
“When people were bombing trains to Kaduna, was it under the administration of Bola Tinubu that the trains were bombed? That time, they did not rescue Nigeria. The country was dead; it would take hard decisions to be made.”
He urged Nigerians to be patient with the current administration and not to fall for what he described as the cheap propaganda of some past leaders who, despite holding significant positions—whether as Senators, Governors, or Ministers—failed to bring about meaningful transformation.
“When in 8 years as Minister of Transportation, you borrowed so much money from China, making us highly indebted. You borrowed the destiny of Nigerians. You say Nigerians are angry—they are angry with you.”
“All I plead to the church is just to be patient and continue to pray for Mr. President, for the administration. Forget about people who have lost their chances to put Nigeria right. They won’t have the chance again,” Wike declared.
The service was graced by several dignitaries, including Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo; Area Council Chairmen; Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, Senator David Jimkuta; and Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Martins Amaehule.
Others in attendance included former Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu; former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom; former Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Senator Philip Aduda; Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda; and other top FCTA officials.