Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, insisting the administration inherited a severely damaged economy that could not be repaired overnight.
Speaking during his monthly media chat with selected television stations in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike argued that although the government’s economic policies had caused short-term hardship, they were necessary to reverse years of economic decline and lay the foundation for sustainable growth.
The former Rivers State governor praised Tinubu for ending the petrol subsidy regime, describing the move as a bold decision previous administrations lacked the political will to implement. According to him, fuel subsidy had become a major financial burden, leaving many state governments struggling to meet basic obligations.
“Fuel subsidy was a cancer. States were borrowing to survive. I was a governor and sometimes had to plead with bank managers just to secure funds to pay salaries. Today, sub-national governments have more resources for infrastructure, salaries and pensions because that burden has been removed,” Wike said.
He maintained that while no government decision is without challenges, effective leadership requires the courage to make difficult choices in the nation’s long-term interest.
Calling for patience from Nigerians, Wike stressed that the country’s economic challenges had accumulated over many years and could not be resolved within a few years.
“You cannot expect problems that accumulated over 15 years to disappear within one or two years. Recovery takes time. The economy was badly damaged before this administration came into office,” he stated.
On the 2027 presidential election, Wike dismissed the ambitions of Labour Party’s Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, saying he preferred leaders whose actions matched their promises.
He accused Obi of engaging in what he described as “politics of sentiment,” alleging that some of the former Anambra governor’s public engagements were aimed at attracting sympathy rather than demonstrating genuine leadership.
“I know Peter Obi very well. I don’t like people playing to the gallery. I never celebrated my birthdays in IDP camps or motherless babies’ homes simply because I wanted public sympathy,” he said.
Wike also criticised Atiku Abubakar, suggesting that comments previously made by Atiku’s former principal should be enough for Nigerians to assess his leadership credentials.
“The person who should give him the best testimonial has already warned Nigerians. What other testimony do you need?” he said.
While acknowledging that Tinubu’s administration had not met every expectation since taking office, the FCT minister insisted that measurable progress had been achieved.
“Yes, people are feeling the pain, but you can see the difference. No government can solve every problem immediately, but this President has shown courage and commitment,” Wike added.
He also criticised some media organisations for giving platforms to what he described as politically insignificant commentators, questioning the credibility of certain analysts regularly featured on television.
