By Hudu Yakubu
The Minister of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, on Thursday mocked Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, saying he lacked the political structure and party cohesion to produce a successor.
Wike made the remark during his thank-you visit to Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he addressed supporters and political stakeholders.
Wike described the situation as a consequence of weak leadership and internal contradictions.
“ Bala Mohammed came to my state and wanted to impose party leadership. I warned him to be careful and to leave my state alone. I told him there would be consequences, and today, he does not even have a party to produce his successor,” Wike said.
Responding to claims that Governor Mohammed had accused him of instigating crises in Bauchi, the former Rivers governor dismissed the allegation as baseless.
” He said all the problems he is facing are because of me, that I claimed I would put fire there. If you have such power, go ahead and use it. Face your problems,” Wike said.
Wike insisted that political leaders must recognise their limitations and avoid unnecessary confrontations.
“If you know you do not have the strength to fight, why don’t you retreat? Why create problems you cannot manage?” he asked.
The Minister also reacted to criticisms and personal attacks against him, including remarks describing him as “semi-illiterate” and a former motor washer, saying such insults do not diminish his political achievements.
“I have no problem with that. At least I am semi-literate and not completely illiterate. Someone who washed cars became chairman of a local government, governor of one of the most important states in Nigeria, and a two-time minister,” he said.
Wike challenged his critics, particularly former lawmakers, to give account of their stewardship while in office.
“If you were a senator for eight years, tell your people what you did. That is not abuse; that is accountability,” he said.
He defended his continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying Rivers State has benefitted significantly under the current administration.
“The appointments Rivers State has received under President Tinubu have never happened in the history of this state. That is why I can boldly tell Rivers people to support him,” Wike declared.
Wike maintained that political decisions must be guided by conscience and results rather than convenience.
“Yes, we need money, but we cannot sell our conscience. We will always do the right thing,” he said.
He further criticised politicians who align with every government that comes into power without principles, describing them as poor role models.
“You cannot be in every government and never see anything wrong. That is not leadership,” he added.
Wike concluded by reaffirming his confidence in his political choices and record in public office, insisting that Nigerians are increasingly judging leaders based on performance.
“When you tell people the truth, people get angry. But the truth remains the truth,” Wike said.