Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, turned a thanksgiving service he organised for the “successful completion of inaugurated projects” in Abuja into a political jab against opposition political figures.
The thanksgiving service which took place on Sunday at St. James Anglican Church in Asokoro, Abuja, was live-streamed on some national television stations including Arise, News Central, and Africa Independent Television (AIT).
Wike took opportunity of the the event to rant against prominent figures of the coalition against Tinubu, including Rauf Aregbesola, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
He said Aregbesola as Minister of Interior failed to make international passport acquisition faster, a feat now achieved by current minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
For Atiku, he said he has changed political parties in almost every election circle.
He slammed Obi over allegation that he didn’t conduct local government election while as governor of Anambra State.. He claimed that Obi would not be president of Nigeria.
Samuel Ortom, a former governor of Benue, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, a former governor of Enugu, were in attendance at the service.
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In May, the FCT minister announced a 19-day project inauguration exercise, which commenced on June 10, to commemorate the second anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
While the 19-day inauguration lasted, front-page advertorials were placed in many newspapers across the country.
Some of the projects inaugurated during the period included the newly renovated Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC), the road linking Idu with Zuba; the road linking A2 junction to Pai town; and the road from Life Camp junction to Ring Road.
The renovated ICC was inaugurated by Tinubu and renamed after the president.
The sum of N39 billion was spent on the renovation of the facility — a development that elicited criticisms.
Defending the N39 billion spent on the renovation, Wike said those criticising the project “do not have good taste”.
“Nigeria, as the giant of Africa, must not only show that it is the giant of Africa; people must see what makes you to be the giant of Africa,” the minister had said.
“Nobody who loves this country would criticise the International Conference Centre.”
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