Coalition: You are Causing Nigerians to Become Dissatisfied. Wike to Amaechi, Atiku, and Others

Coalition: You are stirring unrest among Nigerians – Wike to Atiku, Amaechi, and others Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has accused members of the opposition coalition of stirring unrest among Nigerians. He stated that no amount of "coalition politics" or propaganda can diminish the evident achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. While speaking at the inauguration of the newly rehabilitated Aguma Palace–Radio Nigeria–New Market Road in the Gwagwalada Area Council on Friday, Wike ridiculed opposition figures who, as he noted, are distressed by the swift transformation occurring in the FCT under Tinubu’s governance. The minister remarked, “Mr. President, today marks the 16th day that you have dedicated your time to personally engage in commissioning ceremonies. I was unaware that people were so troubled by the numerous positive developments in the FCT until last night when I observed one of the presidential aspirants from the coalition party, who was an industrialist, visibly upset that the President, the Vice President, the Senate President, the Speaker, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation are all attending project commissioning events. Yet they claim the populace is dissatisfied!” The minister criticized opposition figures for what he termed “fake coalitions” created to divert Nigerians' attention from the administration’s initiatives. “I never inquired, but they mentioned that the coalition began 18 months ago. Mr. President has been in office for two years. So, you initiated the coalition when he had been in office for just six months! When will you cease misleading Nigerians?” He urged former leaders to demonstrate their legacies instead of hiding behind hollow rhetoric. “Someone assumed office six months ago, and you claim Nigerians are angry. However, you served as Senate President for eight years, Speaker for four years, and Minister of Transportation for eight years. Yet, you never succeeded in making angry Nigerians content, but now you wish to return to power. You will not return,” Wike asserted. The minister emphasized that leaders are required to justify the opportunities they have had to serve the populace. "During my tenure as Senate President, allow me to present my achievements. How did I assist the citizens of Benue State? Was it by taking a helicopter to Otukpo? We are here for 16 days, presenting our achievements." He reflected on his own political struggles, reminding the audience of his history of overcoming influential godfathers and 'super ministers'. Wike stated, "In 2015, I triumphed over a very influential governor who intended for his associate to become governor. In 2019, a super minister who was borrowing funds extensively, left us in significant debt, and I defeated him. In 2023, it was the same scenario. They claimed they would support an individual whose sole role was to switch parties. Now in 2025, they are forming another coalition. Were you born into a coalition?" Regarding the Gwagwalada project, Wike mentioned that the road, like others under Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, was selected by the community itself. "One positive aspect of these projects in rural areas is that we never convened in the city and dictated, 'Go and construct this road.' We came here, and the community expressed, 'This is what we desire.' That exemplifies community involvement in governance," he remarked. He praised local contractors, highlighting that the administration is intentional about empowering Nigerians through infrastructure development. "The Ushafa–War College Road in Bwari was completed by local contractors. The bus terminals were constructed by local contractors. This is the guiding principle of this government: to empower our own citizens." Wike challenged those urging Nigerians to revolt to take the lead in their home states. He remarked, "Some individuals are calling for Nigerians to rise up and revolt. To the person making this call, I urge you to lead it. Begin in Rivers State, rather than having your children in London while you send other people's children to the streets. Return, bring your children, and confront us first!" He assured the citizens that the FCT Administration will persist in listening, delivering, and enhancing rural roads and social infrastructure. "Are you content? Do you desire additional possessions? We shall provide you with anything you wish. Mr. President, we take pride in your ability to alter the narrative. Let those who choose not to embrace happiness remain in their unhappiness indefinitely. As for myself, I am perpetually joyful!" Amaechi, Atiku, Coalition, Wike.