‘He Doesn’t Even Have A Party’ — Wike Hits Back At Bala Mohammed

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday mocked the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, saying he lacks the political and party structure to produce a successor.

Wike made the remark during a thank-you visit to Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he addressed supporters and political stakeholders.

According to the former Rivers State governor, the situation in Bauchi is a reflection of weak leadership and internal contradictions within the ruling party in the state.

Wike said, “Bala Mohammed came to my state and wanted to impose party leadership. I warned him to be careful and to leave my state alone. I told him there would be consequences, and today, he does not even have a party to produce his successor”.

Reacting to allegations that Governor Mohammed had accused him of instigating political crises in Bauchi State, Wike dismissed the claims as unfounded.

“He said all the problems he is facing are because of me, that I claimed I would put fire there. If you have such power, go ahead and use it. Face your problems,” he said.

Wike maintained that political leaders must understand their limits and avoid unnecessary confrontations.

“If you know you do not have the strength to fight, why don’t you retreat? Why create problems you cannot manage?” he asked.

The FCT Minister also responded to criticisms and personal attacks against him, including comments describing him as “semi-illiterate” and a former motor washer, insisting that such remarks do not diminish his political achievements.

“I have no problem with that. At least I am semi-literate and not completely illiterate. Someone who washed cars became chairman of a local government, governor of one of the most important states in Nigeria, and a two-time minister,” Wike said.

He challenged his critics, particularly former lawmakers, to account for their records in public office.

“If you were a senator for eight years, tell your people what you did. That is not abuse, that is accountability,” he said.

While defending his continued support for President Bola Tinubu, Wike said Rivers State has benefitted significantly under the current administration.

“The appointments Rivers State has received under President Tinubu have never happened in the history of this state. That is why I can boldly tell Rivers people to support him,” he stated.

Wike stressed that political decisions should be guided by conscience and tangible results rather than convenience.

“Yes, we need money, but we cannot sell our conscience. We will always do the right thing,” he said.

He further criticised politicians who align with every government without principles, describing such conduct as poor leadership.

“You cannot be in every government and never see anything wrong. That is not leadership,” Wike added.

The minister however reaffirmed confidence in his political choices and public service record, noting that Nigerians are increasingly evaluating leaders based on performance.

“When you tell people the truth, people get angry. But the truth remains the truth,” Wike said.