Abuja:Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has called on Nigerians to reject politicians who depend on deceit and performative tactics to gain public office. He made this appeal during the inaugural Idoma Hall of Fame Induction, held in collaboration with Ochetoha K’Idoma, as part of the Idoma Centenary Plus celebration in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Wike delivered a keynote address titled ‘People, Politics and Power Play in Nigeria The Agitation for Equity and Fairness,’ where he emphasized the importance of prioritizing competence, accountability, and track records over ethnic loyalty and political entitlement. He argued that Nigeria’s political future relies on the citizens’ ability to differentiate between genuine public servants and those seeking power for personal or sectional gain.
Wike warned against transforming public power into personal wealth or sectional dominance, urging Nigerians to dismiss politicians who manipulate grievances over marginalization to advance personal interests. He affirmed support for constitutional provisions like the federal character principle, emphasizing that equitable representation must not compromise competence.
He highlighted that Nigeria’s diversity should serve as a source of strength rather than a basis for exclusion, stressing that true political inclusion is measured by tangible governance outcomes such as jobs, healthcare, security, and infrastructure. Wike argued that public office should be viewed as a trust and not an entitlement, and the performance of political leaders should be evaluated by the benefits their decisions bring to citizens.
The minister noted that while Nigeria has adopted mechanisms like federalism and zoning to accommodate its diversity, these arrangements alone cannot ensure fairness. He called for a political system that prioritizes the common good, ensuring every Nigerian has a reasonable opportunity to participate in national life, regardless of their background.