Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has launched a scathing critique against some opposition figures, accusing them of “grandstanding” and “deception” over their recent participation in protests for electronic transmission of election results.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/SADR.jpeg")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
Delivering a Distinguished Personality Lecture on Tuesday at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Abuja, titled “The Impact of Political Leadership on Infrastructural Development in Nigeria: Between Dividends of Democracy and Good Governance,” Wike made a veiled ridicule of former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, who appeared at the protest line with his son, a medical doctor.
The minister took direct aim at the optics of Amaechi’s protest, revealing that the former governor claimed to have brought his son to the venue to provide medical assistance to any injured protesters.
Wike dismissed this as a staged performance, questioning the sincerity and preparedness of the gesture.
“He said he came with his son, who is a medical doctor, to treat anyone who might be injured. But where was the ambulance? Where was the medical equipment? You cannot treat people with empty hands,” he stated.
Wike described the move as a blatant attempt to manipulate public emotion, asserting that leadership requires genuine action rather than “theatrical displays” designed to mislead the youth.
The minister, also a former Governor of Rivers State, argued that the sudden advocacy for electronic transmission by Amaechi and other opposition leaders is a classic case of political opportunism.
He noted that many of those currently protesting for electoral transparency were silent on such reforms while they held influential positions in government.
“When they are out of office, they suddenly become the voice of the people,” Wike remarked.
He described the current agitation as “transactional,” suggesting that the opposition is only interested in rules that favour their return to power, rather than a genuine commitment to the democratic process.
Wike urged the students of the University of Abuja to remain vigilant against political manipulation. He emphasised that the “dividends of democracy” are not found in protest slogans but in the hard work of building infrastructure and resilient institutions.
He maintained that the current administration of President Bola Tinubu is focused on “purposeful leadership” and making difficult, unpopular decisions today to ensure a better tomorrow for all Nigerians.
Wike also defended the ongoing reforms and demolitions in the nation’s capital, describing them as a necessary balance between “legality and compassion.”
He argued that for democracy to be meaningful, it must be supported by the firm enforcement of laws and the provision of tangible infrastructure.
Wike maintained that his administration is focused on restoring the city’s original master plan while ensuring that development reaches the satellite towns.
Addressing the controversial issue of urban renewal and the removal of illegal structures, Wike insisted that a city without order cannot serve its people.
He noted that while the administration remains firm in enforcing planning regulations, it is guided by a philosophy that seeks to improve the collective well-being of residents.
“Legality has been balanced with compassion, and discipline pursued not as punishment, but as a prerequisite for shared prosperity,” Wike stated.
He explained that the FCT is currently a “laboratory” for democratic governance, where the focus has shifted from mere political rituals to “massive investment” in road networks and the revival of abandoned projects.
Wike posited that infrastructure is the “most honest measure of governance,” describing it as political education in physical form.
“When citizens see functional roads, schools and hospitals, they begin to trust the state,” he said.
He lauded the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Tinubu, citing the removal of the fuel subsidy as a prime example of “uncommon resolve.”
According to the minister, such difficult decisions — though painful in the short term — are essential to free up resources for long-term development and to halt the nation’s spiral into unsustainable debt.
The minister did not mince words regarding Nigeria’s developmental hurdles, echoing the sentiments of late author Chinua Achebe that the nation’s problem is fundamentally a failure of leadership.
He criticised past “self-serving arrangements” that produced leaders lacking preparation and character.
“Nations are not built by resources alone; they are built by the quality of leadership that gives direction,” he said.
He challenged the academic community and the youth to move beyond cynicism, stressing that progress is only possible when purposeful leadership is met with responsible followership.
Wike reminded the university community of its role as the “conscience of the nation.” He urged the University of Abuja to remain a space where truth is spoken to power and where future leaders are refined through ethical commitment and critical thinking.
He emphasised that democracy is a “social contract” whose credibility is measured not at the ballot box, but in the quality of life it sustains for the ordinary citizen.
Chairman of the event, Prof. Aminu Ibrahim Gusau, urged the minister to remain focused on the task of developing the territory.
Chief Host and Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, who praised the minister’s visionary leadership, requested for the development of roads and other ancillary projects in the university and its staff quarters.
Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Convener of the 26th Annual Distinguished Personality Lecture Series, Prof. Mutiullah Olasupo, stressed the need for courageous leadership at all levels of governance.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
Bonus:
Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.
How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626
______________________________________________________________________ New Year Promo: Get Five Maritime Law Books For N150,000 — 63% Discount
The promotion, which commenced on January 8 and runs until February 8, 2026, offers five core maritime law books authored by Dr. Emeka Akabogu, SAN, ordinarily valued at N405,000, for just N150,000 — a 63% discount.
Interested buyers can place their orders through the following channels:
Phone: 0704 329 3271
Online Store: https://paystack.shop/aa-bookstore
Website: www.akabogulaw.com
______________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
_______________________________________________________________________
