Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says Nigeria was “practically dead” before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office, stressing that the president has since taken bold and painful decisions to revive the country.
Speaking on Sunday during a thanksgiving service at St. James’ Anglican Church in Asokoro, Abuja, Wike cautioned the Christian community against making emotional or sentimental choices in the 2027 presidential election, saying the church “almost made a fatal mistake” in 2023.
“The country was dead. It would take hard decisions to be made. We are aware that we have challenges. Two years of a country that was run down and we expect a miracle worker?” Wike stated.
The former Rivers State governor said national recovery requires tough policy choices and patience, citing as an example the transformation of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, which now reportedly generates over ₦700 million in three weeks, compared to the ₦50 million per year previously paid by its operators.
“The man running from Adamawa was paying ₦50 million a year. Today, within weeks of rehabilitation and consistent activities, over ₦700 million has been generated,” Wike said, in a veiled dig at Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 PDP presidential candidate.
He also criticized politicians who failed to deliver during their time in power but now claim to have the solutions to rescue Nigeria.
“Ask them what they did with their years in office. I can show you what I did in Rivers. I can show you what I am doing in the FCT.”
Citing past issues like the train bombing incident under the previous administration and the longstanding fuel subsidy scam, Wike questioned the sincerity of opposition figures now angling for leadership.
“They had the opportunity, but now that they’re out of power, Nigerians are angry. Where was the anger when these same people failed to act?”
Wike called on Christians to remain prayerful and support President Tinubu’s administration instead of being swayed by propaganda or blackmail.
“Forget about those who missed their chance. They won’t get it again,” he concluded.
