Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims by his predecessor and political rival, Rotimi Amaechi, that corruption could be eradicated in the country within one month, describing the remark as “deceitful” and unrealistic.
Speaking on Channels Television on Tuesday evening, Wike launched a scathing attack on Amaechi, accusing him of hypocrisy and of presiding over widespread financial mismanagement during his tenure as governor of Rivers State.
He said it was insulting to Nigerians for anyone to believe that entrenched corruption could be wiped out so quickly, and accused Amaechi of seeking political mileage through empty promises.
“You look at Nigerians, we are so daft that someone will just come and promise to fight corruption in one month, and we just believe him,” Wike said. “A man who, as governor, refused to allow the judiciary to operate for almost two years now claims he can fight corruption in one month. How can that be possible?”
Wike pointed to a series of controversies under Amaechi’s administration, including the closure of the state judiciary following a dispute with the National Judicial Council, the collapse of a monorail project in Port Harcourt, and unaccounted funds meant for the construction of an international hospital.
“Over 30 million dollars was sunk into a phantom hospital. Where is the foundation today? A monorail project worth billions stopped right in front of Government House was abandoned. Even a state-owned aircraft was taken abroad for years without record. Is that the man who will end corruption in one month?” Wike asked.
The minister further accused Amaechi of being indicted by a panel of inquiry over the alleged diversion of state funds, but said he used the same judiciary he had earlier paralysed to challenge the findings. “That is why people say the courts are for the rich. He shut down the courts for the poor but ran to the same courts for protection,” Wike said.
Turning to broader criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s government, Wike defended the administration’s record despite mounting hardship caused by economic reforms. He dismissed remarks by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, who had described Tinubu as unapproachable and insensitive, insisting that governance was not about direct access to the president.
“Government is not a project where everybody must meet Mr President. That is why you have ministers and advisers. If you have issues in the FCT, you meet the FCT minister. You don’t expect to bypass everyone and meet the president,” he said.
Wike argued that Tinubu inherited a broken system from previous administrations and had taken tough but necessary measures, including fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate reforms. He said while Nigerians were struggling with rising prices, there were signs of progress.
“The President has never hidden his intention. He told Nigerians there will be challenges, but it is better we face them now than postpone the pain,” he said. “Today you can predict the exchange rate for months. Before, it changed every two hours.”
The minister also highlighted improvements in federal revenue allocation, noting that states and local governments were no longer dependent on Abuja for bailouts. He praised security agencies for gains against insurgents, saying even international partners had commended Nigeria’s progress.
Wike, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party who accepted a ministerial appointment under Tinubu, dismissed suggestions of betrayal, arguing that his priority was national stability.
He accused Babachir Lawal of masking personal grievances, such as being overlooked for political appointments, as national concerns.
“Some people are angry because the President did not pick them as vice-president. That is their problem, not Nigeria’s problem,” he said.
Wike acknowledged that millions of Nigerians still face economic difficulties but insisted that reforms would eventually yield benefits for both rural and urban citizens.
“Every Nigerian is entitled to a good living. The President is not only for the rich or the poor. Policies are for all Nigerians,” he said. (edited)
