The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has criticized the recent political coalition by opposition parties under the banner of “Rescue Nigeria,” describing it as a selfish agenda masked as patriotism.
Speaking during a thanksgiving service held at St. James Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja, on Sunday, Wike dismissed the coalition’s claims of national concern, accusing its leaders of shifting political allegiances over the years for personal gain.
“They want to rescue their stomachs, not Nigeria,” the Minister said, challenging the opposition to present their achievements during their time in power. “In 1999, you were in one party, by 2006 another, 2014 you moved again, and now in 2025, yet another party. Who exactly are you rescuing?”
The service was organized to mark the successful commissioning of major infrastructure projects in the FCT by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as part of activities celebrating the President’s second year in office. It also served as a platform for Wike to reflect on the progress recorded in Abuja under the current administration.
Wike criticized past administrations for failing to address national challenges when they had the opportunity. He cited issues like train bombings and a rising debt profile, contrasting them with what he described as bold decisions and structural reforms by President Tinubu.
“People had the opportunity to govern for years but didn’t build anything in their states. Now that they are out of office, they are the ones telling Nigerians to be angry,” he said.
Highlighting key reforms in the FCT, Wike listed several initiatives, including:
- The withdrawal of the FCTA from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to enhance infrastructure funding.
- The rehabilitation of the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, which has improved the FCT’s revenue profile.
- Increased federal allocations following the removal of fuel subsidies.
- Transparent and merit-based appointments of Permanent Secretaries within the FCT administration.
He emphasized that the Tinubu-led administration is focused on genuine transformation and called on citizens, particularly religious institutions, to continue praying for the country’s leadership.
“Governance is not about playing to the gallery; it’s about making tough, impactful decisions,” he noted. “We must be honest with ourselves as a nation and support those committed to progress.”
In his sermon, Venerable (Dr.) Benjamin Idume, Vicar of St. James Anglican Church, praised Wike’s leadership and said his appointment was divine. “You have proved doubters wrong,” he said, commending President Tinubu for entrusting Wike with the FCT portfolio. The church also presented Wike with an award of excellence, naming him an “Ambassador of Christ.”
The service was attended by several dignitaries, including Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo; Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT Area Councils, Senator David Jimkuta; Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Martins Amaehule; former Governors Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu); former FCT Senator Philip Aduda; Executive Secretary of FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda; and several top officials from the FCTA and FCT Area Councils.
The event served as both a spiritual gathering and a political statement—signaling the FCT administration’s resolve to deliver on President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda amid growing opposition rhetoric.
