According to the report from the Vanguard, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday made pointed remarks about former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, challenging his longstanding claims of living a modest lifestyle.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Kugbo Bus and Taxi Terminal, Wike recalled a past political engagement during his time in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he alleged a disconnect between Obi’s public persona and private actions.
“When PDP had no problem, we went to Anambra State for a gubernatorial campaign,” Wike said. “After the campaign, we went to somebody’s house. I just sat down. Come and see the best of drinks; this and that. So, I called him and said, ‘You are providing Cristal champagne here, but every day, you tell people that you wear only one shoe, carry your bag, and you are the only humble one. But look at the champagne, not just champagne, Cristal.’”
Wike continued, “Why do we deceive Nigerians? Why can’t we tell ourselves the simple truth? What you preach is not what you practice. That is deceitful.”
Mr. Obi has previously emphasized his minimalist lifestyle. Speaking in 2017 at The Platform, a program organized by Covenant Christian Centre in Lagos, he stated: “I have said it to Nigerians: Peter Obi wears only black shoes, and I have two pairs of them, and I travel with them.”
Wike urged Nigerians to be cautious of politicians who present themselves as selfless while allegedly living in contradiction to their claims. “These are the kinds of things I tell Nigerians: don’t allow people to deceive you. People who are preaching that they care for you—they don’t care for you, they don’t think about you. They only try to use you to climb,” he said.
On infrastructure, Wike highlighted the significance of the newly commissioned Kugbo Bus and Taxi Terminal, stating that it would address transportation and security challenges along the Nyanya-Karu corridor. He commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to public welfare and reiterated his own pledge to develop other parts of the FCT, including Bwari and Gwagwalada.
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