Wike accuses Peter Obi of disrespecting nationwide anthem, plotting to divide Nigeria

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, of demonstrating disrespect for Nigeria and selling division by allegedly refusing to face throughout the nationwide anthem whereas standing for another anthem.

Wike made the allegation on Friday throughout a stakeholders’ city corridor assembly in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, organised by the Rainbow Coalition to mobilise help for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates forward of the 2027 normal elections.

Addressing conventional rulers, group leaders, youths and celebration supporters, the minister argued that Obi’s alleged conduct throughout the singing of the nationwide anthem raised questions on his dedication to the nation.

According to Wike, anybody aspiring to develop into Nigeria’s president ought to show respect for the nation’s nationwide symbols and establishments.

He stated, “An entire nationwide anthem of a rustic is being sung. A person who desires to be President of Nigeria would disobey and sit down. And then, not solely that, when a unique nationwide anthem that isn’t getting used for Nigeria was sung, he stood up.

“In a way, he does not belong to this country. In a way, he has said he does not belong to this country; that if you give him the president, he would do a different thing that will divide Nigeria.”

Wike additional argued {that a} presidential aspirant who disregarded the nationwide anthem shouldn’t be entrusted with the nation’s highest political workplace.

“A man who does not believe in Nigeria, someone who derives joy in ridiculing the country by disrespecting its symbolic National Anthem must not be allowed to come near the presidency of our country,” he added.

Wike questions Obi’s political report

The FCT minister additionally criticised Obi’s political historical past, alleging that the previous Anambra State governor incessantly deserted political events every time inner disagreements emerged as a substitute of remaining to resolve the crises.

He questioned Obi’s dedication to the political platforms he had beforehand belonged to, utilizing his motion throughout events to problem his political strategy.

Wike additionally faulted Obi over the absence of native authorities elections throughout his eight-year tenure as governor of Anambra State, describing it as inconsistent along with his public place on the rule of legislation.

Minister tackles Atiku, Amaechi

Beyond Obi, Wike criticised the opposition political alliance involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

He questioned their data in public workplace, notably elevating considerations in regards to the state of seaports throughout Amaechi’s tenure as Minister of Transportation.

The minister additionally accused the previous Rivers State administration of demolishing Government Secondary School, Ogu, with out rebuilding it, alongside making guarantees regarding a 1,000-bed specialist hospital which he alleged weren’t fulfilled.

Wike urged residents of Ogu-Bolo to ignore what he described as difficult political rhetoric from opposition figures, insisting that the Tinubu administration had delivered tasks and different advantages to the world.

Wike highlights tasks, appointments in Ogu-Bolo

To help his argument, the minister pointed to the development of the Ogu-Bolo Civic Centre and federal appointments secured for indigenes of the world, notably the appointment of Boma Iyaye.

He additionally cited the conduct of native authorities elections as a part of the achievements he stated residents ought to contemplate when assessing the administration.

Wike urged the folks to help Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, Kingsley Chinda’s governorship ambition in Rivers State and different APC candidates in search of elective positions.

Earlier, the Chairman of Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area, Vincent Nemieboka, stated the assembly introduced collectively key stakeholders, together with conventional rulers, Community Development Committee executives, youth leaders, girls’s teams and group elders.

Nemieboka stated the council’s help for the Rainbow Coalition was primarily based on what he described as seen tasks and political appointments facilitated for indigenes of the world.

He stated, “Considering the volume of things, projects, and appointments you have implemented in this local government area, we will be glad to welcome you always, support you always, and follow you always.”

Traditional rulers, stakeholders pledge help

Also talking, the Amanyanabo of Bolo, King Acheseinimie Frank, supported the council chairman’s place, highlighting infrastructure tasks executed throughout the world by means of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

He listed ongoing sand-filling tasks, inner highway development in Ogu-Bolo and the development and upkeep of the Kira-Ogu-Bolo Road among the many interventions.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Lawrence Abeabiari, reaffirmed the standard establishment’s help for the coalition and pledged that the voters would vote for its candidates.

Abeabiari additionally disclosed that two infrastructure areas in the neighborhood had been named after Wike: Wike Road at Enelechi Phase 1 and the Wike Sandfield.

He expressed confidence within the coalition’s mobilisation efforts forward of the January 16, 2027 election.

“Your Excellency, go home and sleep. Without doubt, by noon on Jan. 16, 2027, all candidates will be delivered,” he stated.

Prof. Lucky Worika, who spoke on behalf of stakeholders in Ogu-Bolo, additionally counseled Wike for his contributions to infrastructure growth and political empowerment within the space.

Worika stated the appointment of Boma Iyaye to the NDDC had facilitated 19 main ongoing interventions throughout the native authorities space.

According to him, the tasks embody the reconstruction of Ogu General Hospital alongside a 70kVA solar energy station, the Ele/Opu-ama Link Road, Kira-Bolo Road, inner roads and streetlights in Ogu and Bolo.

He additionally listed sand-filling tasks, low-cost housing estates, lecturers’ quarters, scholarships, free medical missions and youth expertise acquisition programmes.

Worika recalled different tasks attributed to Wike’s earlier administration within the space, together with the reconstruction of Government Secondary School, Ogu, Kira Bridge, Ogu-Eteo and Ogu-Wakama hyperlink roads, in addition to a touchdown jetty in Ele Community.

He additional cited the elevation of the standard stools of Ogu and Bolo, reaffirming the stakeholders’ pledge to help Tinubu’s re-election and Chinda’s governorship ambition in 2027.