The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has lampooned Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, saying the governor lacks the political structure and internal cohesion to successfully produce a successor.
Naijaonpoint reports that Wike made the remarks during a thank-you visit to Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he addressed supporters and political stakeholders.
According to the former Rivers State governor, the political challenges confronting the Bauchi governor were self-inflicted and stemmed from what he described as weak leadership and unresolved 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,” Wike said.
“I told him there would be consequences, and today, he does not even have a party to produce his successor.”
Wike also dismissed allegations by Mohammed that he was responsible for the crisis rocking Bauchi State politics.
“He said all the problems he is facing are because of me, that I claimed I would put fire there,” Wike stated.
“If you have such power, go ahead and use it. Face your problems.”
He stressed that political leaders must understand their limitations and avoid unnecessary confrontations they lack the capacity to manage.
“If you know you do not have the strength to fight, why don’t you retreat? Why creating problems you cannot manage?” he asked.
Responding to personal attacks against him, including being described as a semi-illiterate and a former motor washer, the FCT minister said such remarks did not diminish his political achievements.
“I have no problem with that. At least I am semi-literate and not completely illiterate,” Wike said.
“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.”
Wike also challenged his critics, particularly former lawmakers, to account for their years in public office rather than resorting to name-calling.
“If you were a senator for eight years, tell your people what you did. That is not abuse; that is accountability,” he said.
The minister reaffirmed his unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that Rivers State had benefited immensely from the current administration.
“The appointments Rivers State has received under President Tinubu have never happened in the history of this state,” Wike said.
“That is why I can boldly tell Rivers people to support him.”
He added that political decisions must be guided by conscience, performance and tangible results, not convenience.
“Yes, we need money, but we cannot sell our conscience. We will always do the right thing,” he stated.
Wike further criticised politicians who align with every government that comes into power, regardless of principles, describing such conduct as a failure of leadership.
“You cannot be in every government and never see anything wrong. That is not leadership,” he said.
He concluded by expressing confidence in his political choices and record, noting that Nigerians were increasingly assessing leaders based on performance.
“When you tell people the truth, they get angry. But the truth remains the truth,” Wike said.