The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has come out strongly in defence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, issuing a scathing rebuke to critics whom he accused of deliberately ignoring the government’s developmental milestones.
Wike, known for his outspoken style, declared that such detractors would continue to suffer “high blood pressure” as the administration continues to deliver on its promises.
Wike made these remarks on Friday during the official commissioning of the newly constructed Apo-Wasa Road in Abuja. While addressing guests and journalists, the minister passionately defended the current administration’s record on infrastructure and took a swipe at those he described as perpetual critics.
“Except you have chosen not to see. If God gave you eyes to see and you say, ‘I will not see,’ then be blind. Be blind. God gave you eyes, and you say, ‘God, I refuse to see.’ That’s your fault, not anybody else’s,” he said.
He emphasized that the developmental work being done under President Tinubu, including the ongoing series of project inaugurations in the FCT, is unprecedented.
“Seventeen days! It has never happened in the history of this country, where a president commissions projects from day one to day 17. I am talking about actual commissioning, not just flag-offs,” Wike stated.
Citing recent examples, Wike pointed to the renovation of the International Conference Centre (ICC), which has been renamed after President Tinubu. He ridiculed those criticizing the naming or questioning the cost of the renovation.
“Some people just don’t have good taste. Everything in that ICC was changed. If you love this country, there’s no reason to criticise such a transformation. Nnamdi Azikiwe didn’t build the airport named after him. Why then question naming the ICC after Tinubu? Look at the exchange rate in 1991 compared to 2025 before you talk,” he argued.
The minister also had harsh words for sections of the media and unnamed opposition elements whom he accused of misinforming the public and lacking meaningful contributions to national discourse.
“I don’t watch them. I don’t even bother to know their names. If you want to die out of anger, I have land to give you where they can bury you. Africa’s population is already too high. So if you want to die, go ahead,” he said mockingly.
Continuing his tirade, Wike added, “Why would anyone not commend someone who has performed well? You’re angry that President Tinubu’s name is on the ICC? Go and kill yourself. I’m here to work, not to entertain bitterness.”
Positioning himself as a staunch defender of President Tinubu, Wike contrasted his approach with that of past officials who, in his view, failed to stand firmly behind their principals.
“If you had the opportunity to defend your boss but failed, that’s not my fault. I am here, and I have the capacity to defend my boss. I am not here to please faultfinders; I am here to serve the residents of Abuja. In fact, I will continue to give you high blood pressure,” he declared.
Wike also used the platform to criticize political coalitions and opposition figures, describing them as ineffective and lacking credibility.
“People made you promises they never fulfilled. Yet, you’re still giving attention to them. You don’t even know if their names will be on the ballot. A coalition that was born and died the same day—what hope do they offer?”
On future plans, the FCT minister announced that the federal government is set to dualise the road leading to the Apo Mechanic Village. He promised that the long-delayed relocation of mechanics in the area, first proposed in 2011, would finally be executed under his watch.
“This is not just a promise. It’s a commitment. I will supervise the dualisation and chair the relocation personally. You do for me, I do for you. If you vote for me, I vote for you,” he said, reinforcing his results-driven philosophy.
Wike’s remarks, laced with defiance and political undertones, signal a continued readiness to confront opposition voices while pushing forward with President Tinubu’s infrastructural agenda in the nation’s capital.