NYFA LEADERS' ECONOMIC DIGEST Episode 17

NYFA LEADERS' ECONOMIC DIGEST

Episode 17

By NYFA Editors

THE MINISTER'S MISGUIDED MUSE.

In a recent interview with Seun Okinbaloye, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, indulged in a bout of unbridled self-adulation, vaunting his perceived messianic role in Rivers State and touting himself as the saviour who descended upon the state to bestow blessings upon its inhabitants. One is irresistibly reminded of the adage "pride comes before a fall," as Wike's self-aggrandising narrative is starkly at odds with the plethora of allegations levelled against him.

Wike's dismissive remarks about the ADC coalition, in which he queried the identity and relevance of its members, betray a profound ignorance of the coalition's purpose and composition. The coalition, comprising a group of leaders who have come together to save Nigeria against a one-party state, has made its impact felt, despite Wike's protestations to the contrary. It is quite astonishing that Wike would seek to diminish the efforts of a group of dedicated individuals who are working tirelessly to improve the lives of Nigerians.

The Minister's boasts about his accomplishments, including the construction of an airport, are a case in point. One wonders if he is labouring under the illusion that the airport was built with his personal funds, rather than the public purse. This apparent lack of understanding of the distinction between public and private resources is quite troubling.

Furthermore, his allocation of several hundred acres of land to his son in the FCT has raised eyebrows, and the accusations of bullying and harassing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as well as embarking on unnecessary projects to launder government funds, have not gone unnoticed. These allegations are serious and warrant a thorough investigation.

One can not help but advise Wike to focus on his duties as FCT Minister, rather than attempting to masquerade as a saviour of Rivers State. His propensity for applying different standards to himself and others is a trait that warrants scrutiny. The allegations levelled against him by Senator Ireti Kingibe, regarding the reduction of land registry fees by 92% for his son, are a serious matter that demands his attention.

In light of these allegations, it would be prudent for Wike to prioritise transparency and accountability in his dealings, rather than resorting to bombastic rhetoric. His comment about Nigerians being daft is particularly galling, and one wonders which segment of the population he is referring to. NYFA Leaders, and indeed Nigerians in general, are not daft; they are discerning individuals who can see through Wike's antics.

In sum, Wike would do well to paddle his own canoe and allow the ADC coalition to breathe. His energies would be better spent addressing the allegations levelled against him, rather than attempting to deflect attention through self-aggrandising statements. The people of Nigeria deserve better than a Minister who appears more interested in self-promotion than in serving the public interest.

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