FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has accused former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi of disrespecting Nigeria and demonstrating disregard for the country’s unity after allegedly refusing to recite the national anthem at a political gathering.
Wike said Obi’s alleged action raised questions about his suitability for the presidency, insisting that anyone seeking to lead the country must respect its national symbols.
The minister spoke on Friday at a stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, organised by the Rainbow Coalition to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 and other All Progressives Congress candidates.
According to Channels Television, Wike alleged that Obi remained seated while the Nigerian national anthem was being sung but stood up when another anthem, which he described as no longer in use in the country, was played.
“A whole national anthem of a country is being sung. A man who wants to be President of Nigeria would disobey and sit down. And then not only that, when a different national anthem that is not being 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.
“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,” the minister said.
Wike also questioned Obi’s political consistency, accusing the former Labour Party presidential candidate of abandoning political parties whenever disagreements emerged instead of remaining to resolve internal disputes.
He further criticised Obi’s eight-year administration in Anambra State, alleging that he failed to conduct local government elections despite his public position on the rule of law.
Attacks Atiku, Amaechi
The FCT minister also criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi over their political records and involvement in the opposition coalition.
He questioned Amaechi’s achievements as Minister of Transportation, particularly regarding the condition of the country’s seaports.
Wike also accused the former Rivers governor of failing to rebuild Government Secondary School, Ogu, after its demolition and not fulfilling promises concerning a 1,000-bed specialist hospital.
He urged residents of Ogu-Bolo to disregard what he described as opposition politicians’ “big grammar” on television, arguing that Tinubu’s administration had delivered visible development to the area.
Among the projects he highlighted was the Ogu-Bolo Civic Centre, which he said was facilitated through the federal appointment of an indigene, Boma Iyaye.
He also cited the conduct of local government elections as part of the administration’s achievements while urging residents to support Tinubu’s re-election, Kingsley Chinda’s governorship ambition in Rivers State and APC candidates contesting National Assembly seats.
Earlier, Ogu-Bolo Local Government Chairman, Vincent Nemieboka, said the meeting brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, youth representatives, women’s groups and other stakeholders to demonstrate their support for the coalition.
Nemieboka attributed the community’s backing to development projects and political appointments secured for indigenes of the area.
“I will not be boasting if I say you should consider everybody here as your supporter.
“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,” he said.
Community Leaders Promise Support for Tinubu
The Amanyanabo of Bolo, King Acheseinimie Frank, also commended the development initiatives in Ogu-Bolo, particularly infrastructure projects executed through the Niger Delta Development Commission.
He listed sand-filling projects, internal road construction in Ogu and Bolo communities, as well as the construction and maintenance of the Kira-Ogu-Bolo Road among the interventions benefiting the area.
The monarch also acknowledged the political appointments secured for indigenes, expressing appreciation to Wike for his contributions.
Similarly, Chairman of the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Lawrence Abeabiari, reaffirmed the traditional institution’s support for Wike and pledged that residents would vote for candidates endorsed by the Rainbow Coalition and APC.
He disclosed that two infrastructure projects in the community had been named after the minister in recognition of his contributions. They are Wike Road at Enelechi Phase 1 and the Wike Sandfield.
“Your Excellency, go home and sleep. Without doubt, by noon on January 16, 2027, all candidates will be delivered,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of Ogu-Bolo stakeholders, Professor Lucky Worika also praised Wike for what he described as his contributions to the development and political advancement of the area.
He said Wike’s previous positions as Rivers State governor and Minister of State for Education, as well as his current role in the Federal Government, had increased the area’s visibility and access to government opportunities.
Worika particularly acknowledged the roles played by President Tinubu and Wike in facilitating federal appointments for Boma Iyaye, Managing Director of the Abuja Investment Company, Dame Maureen Tamuno, and Senator George Sekibo.
He said Iyaye’s appointment as Executive Director of Finance and Administration at the NDDC had helped attract 19 major development interventions to Ogu-Bolo.
The projects, according to him, include the reconstruction of Ogu General Hospital, installation of a 70kVA solar power station, construction of the Ele/Opu-ama Link Road and Kira-Bolo Road, as well as internal roads and streetlights in Ogu and Bolo.
Other interventions include sand-filling projects, low-cost housing estates, teachers’ quarters in secondary schools across Ogu, Bolo and Wakama-Ama, scholarships, free medical outreaches and youth skills acquisition programmes.
Worika also recalled some of Wike’s previous projects in the area, including the reconstruction of Government Secondary School, Ogu, Kira Bridge, Ogu/Eteo and Ogu/Wakama link roads, and a landing jetty in Ele community.
He further listed the elevation of the traditional stools of Ogu and Bolo to first- and second-class status, respectively, among the former governor’s contributions.
He said the area also benefited from interventions through the Universal Basic Education Commission, including the renovation of Community Primary School, Ikpo-Ama, and the construction of the facility currently occupied by Command Science Secondary School in Ogu.
However, Worika urged Wike to use his position and influence to address challenges confronting riverine communities, particularly inadequate healthcare facilities, access to potable water, electricity, maritime transportation and environmental sustainability.
Reaffirming the community’s political position ahead of the 2027 elections, he pledged continued support for Tinubu’s re-election and Kingsley Chinda’s governorship ambition in Rivers State.
“On our part, we pledge our continuing loyalty and indefatigable support for our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election, and Hon. O.K. Chinda as Governor of Rivers State in 2027, as well as your political aspirations,” the address stated.
The event ended with traditional expressions of solidarity, as residents welcomed Wike with the greeting, “Ibosa,” signifying that he was among his own people.
