Legal practitioner Liborous Oshoma has alleged that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike would likely be part of the current opposition coalition if he were not serving in President Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking in an interview with Arise TV from 2:51, Oshoma questioned the consistency of politicians who change positions based on their current roles rather than principles. “There are certain persons I don’t take their statement, you know, seriously, because I’ve heard them speak from both sides of the mouth before, and so now when they talk, I just look at the office they’re occupying. I’m like, is this office that’s actually talking, not the person? If Wike were maybe in opposition, he probably would have been a member of the coalition today,” he stated.
The lawyer recalled Wike’s previous criticisms of both major political party while serving as Rivers State governor. “I remember the same Wike, as a governor in Rivers State, he told us that PDP was malaria and APC was cancer, and today he’s part of the cancer. And so that’s why I don’t take statements from people like that seriously,” Oshoma said.
Despite his skepticism about Wike’s consistency, the legal eagle interpreted the minister’s recent comments as evidence that the opposition coalition is gaining momentum. “But, you know, seriously speaking, it means that the opposition coalition is actually taking a firm footing, and those in government are jittery. And if they are not jittery, then Wike won’t be bothered about asking Nigerians not to take them seriously, because if they tell you don’t take somebody seriously, it means that people are actually considering taking that person seriously,” he said.
The legal practitioner emphasized that the primary concern of the ruling party should be on the fulfillment of campaign promises and how to deliver on commitments made to voters. He noted that Nigerians are genuinely seeking to evaluate alternatives and understand the differences between political options.
According to the legal expert, simply advocating for President Bola Tinubu’s removal, similar to what occurred during former President Jonathan’s administration, is insufficient in the current political climate. He observed that the electorate has become more discerning and is actively asking substantive questions about governance and policy alternatives.
He argued that this presents an opportunity for figures like Wike to capitalize on public inquiries by presenting concrete plans and programs rather than mere opposition rhetoric. He emphasized that calls for alternative leadership must be accompanied by detailed policy proposals and implementation strategies.
With nearly two years remaining in the current administration, he highlighted that there is still time to address existing shortcomings and demonstrate tangible achievements.
