Wike Blasts Obi for Criticizing N15 Billion VP Residence Project, Gets Support from Various Groups

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has slammed the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, for his comments against the Federal Government’s plan to spend N15 billion on the residence of the Vice President.

Wike said that Obi was still living in denial that he lost the elections, and was trying to whip up sentiments against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Wike spoke on Thursday during the flag-off of the resurfacing of roads in Asokoro District of Abuja. He said that Obi and other election losers should commend the government for its achievements, rather than making false and misleading statements.

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.”

Wike was reacting to Obi’s tweets on Monday, where he faulted the N15 billion allocation for the Vice President’s residence in the 2023 budget. Obi said that the plan was “shocking and disheartening”, considering the many important challenges facing the country.

Vice President Kashim Shettima had responded to Obi’s tweets, accusing him 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”. A statement by Shettima’s media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, said that Obi was ignorant of the facts and the benefits of the project.

Wike also dismissed the protests by some groups calling for his removal from office over his policies in the FCT. He said that he was not distracted by the protests, and that he was focused on delivering on the mandate given to him by President Tinubu.

Wike 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.”

Wike added: “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 also reminded the critics of the condition of the FCT before the current administration came on board. He said that all the contractors had abandoned their work, and that the government had to revive the projects and ensure their completion.

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.”

Meanwhile, Wike’s support swelled yesterday, as several groups, including Abuja indigenes, under the 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 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. They also praised him for his achievements in infrastructure, security, and social welfare. They said that Wike was a visionary leader who had the interest of the people at heart.

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