Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims of widespread hunger under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, directing harsh criticism at former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi.
Wike during a media briefing in Abuja on Monday, when questioned about rising public discontent over economic hardship, including claims by former officials like Amaechi, rejected the concerns outright:
“I do not like that Nigerians have time to listen to junk. I do not know how a man will choose his 60th birthday to tell lies. You use the day to lie to Nigerians. You are hungry,” he said.
Wike accused Amaechi of hypocrisy, pointing to his 24-year tenure in public office (1999–2023):
“He was Speaker from 1999 to 2007, the most pompous speaker, reading law in London while in office. He became governor from 2007 to 2015 and was still studying in London. For eight years as speaker and eight years as governor, he never talked about hunger.
“He served as Minister of Transport from 2015 to 2023, borrowing money from Afreximbank, yet he didn’t mention hunger. Now, two years after leaving office, he claims to be hungry? No, he is only hungry for power. This is an insult to Nigerians,” he said.
Wike also criticised Amaechi’s recent statement about removing President Tinubu, calling it reckless.
“How can someone go on national television and say, ‘If we want to remove the President now, we can’? Is this a military coup?
“The word ‘remove’ is used for coups, not democracy. He should have said ‘vote him out.’ But no, he insults Nigerians, and people applaud him,” he said.
When asked about the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) amid internal conflicts, Wike remained defiant.
“If I say something about PDP and they tell me to leave, let them leave. We will make sure the party does not die. That is why we block their plans,” he said.
He cited recent PDP losses in Delta and Akwa Ibom as evidence of poor leadership.
However, despite his PDP membership, Wike reaffirmed his commitment to President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
“I am not a liability. I am an asset. Whether you like me or not, I will ensure Tinubu wins a second term,” he said.
