NYFA LEADERS' ECONOMIC DIGEST Episode 3

NYFA LEADERS' ECONOMIC DIGEST

Episode 3

By NYFA Editors

"The Gospel According to Wike: A Study in Contradictions"

The ostensibly indefatigable Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has once again demonstrated a propensity for unbridled loquacity, gratuitously opining on matters beyond his purview. In a recent press conference, Wike saw fit to proffer advice to Atiku Abubakar, a seasoned politician and former Vice President of Nigeria, on the prudence of contesting the 2027 presidential ticket. One cannot help but be struck by the sheer temerity of Wike's remarks, which bespeak a man utterly bereft of introspection.

It is a delicious irony that Wike, a man dogged by allegations of corruption and malfeasance, should presume to lecture others on the vicissitudes of political ambition. The recent accusations levelled against him by Senator Ireti Kingibe, pertaining to the questionable reduction of land acquisition levies from ₦200m to a paltry ₦2m for his son's benefit, serve as a stark reminder of Wike's own checkered record. If we were Wike's entire household, we would be inclined to remonstrate with him, cautioning against the perils of hypocrisy and advising him to eschew the role of moral arbiter.

As Wike continues to pontificate on matters of statecraft and political prudence, one cannot help but wonder whether he might be better served by attending to the myriad challenges besetting his own tenure as FCT Minister and erstwhile governor of Rivers State. The litany of controversies surrounding his stewardship of the nation's capital is lengthy indeed, and it would perhaps be more productive for him to focus on addressing these issues rather than gratuitously offering advice to others.

Furthermore, it is essential to remind Wike that Atiku, as a Nigerian citizen, is entitled to exercise his constitutional rights without let or hindrance. If Atiku chooses to pursue the 2027 presidential ticket, it is not Wike's place to dictate otherwise. Rather, Wike would do well to focus on his own governance and let the political fortunes of others be determined by the electorate.

Therefore, while Wike's recent pronouncement may have been intended to garner attention, it ultimately serves only to underscore his own questionable judgment. As the adage goes, "physician, heal thyself." Perhaps Wike would be better advised to tend to his own demons rather than attempting to advise others on the intricacies of political propriety. By doing so, he might avoid the appearance of hypocrisy and demonstrate a modicum of self-awareness.

Nigerian Youths For Atiku