The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, of displaying disrespect for Nigeria and its national identity by allegedly refusing to stand for the country’s official national anthem.
Wike made the remarks on Friday during a stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, organised under the Rainbow Coalition to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid and candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Addressing traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and party supporters, the FCT minister argued that anyone seeking to lead Nigeria must demonstrate respect for its national symbols and institutions.
He alleged that Obi’s conduct during the singing of the national anthem raised questions about his commitment to national unity.
“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,” Wike said.
The minister also criticised Obi’s political history and record in public office, alleging that the former Anambra State governor had a habit of abandoning political parties whenever internal disagreements emerged rather than remaining to resolve them.
He further faulted Obi for failing to conduct local government elections during his eight-year tenure as governor, describing the development as inconsistent with his professed commitment to the rule of law.
Wike takes aim at Atiku, Amaechi
Wike also criticised the opposition coalition involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, questioning their records in public office.
He specifically raised concerns about the condition of seaports during Amaechi’s tenure as Minister of Transportation.
The FCT minister also alleged that the administration demolished Government Secondary School, Ogu, without rebuilding it and failed to fulfil promises concerning the construction of a 1,000-bed specialist hospital.
Urging residents to look beyond what he described as the political rhetoric of opposition figures on television, Wike maintained that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had delivered tangible development projects to Ogu-Bolo.
He cited the construction of the Ogu-Bolo Civic Centre, which he said was facilitated through the federal appointment of an indigene, Boma Iyaye, as well as the conduct of local government elections.
Wike urged residents to give massive support to Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, Kingsley Chinda for governor of Rivers State and all APC candidates seeking seats in the National Assembly.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area, Vincent Nemieboka, said the meeting brought together key stakeholders and leadership structures in the council, including traditional rulers, Community Development Committee (CDC) executives, youth leaders, women’s groups and elders.
Nemieboka said the area’s support for the coalition leader was based on development projects and political appointments secured for its indigenes.
“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 commend Tinubu, Wike
Also speaking, the Amanyanabo of Bolo, King Acheseinimie Frank, supported the council chairman’s position, highlighting infrastructure projects executed across the area through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The monarch listed ongoing sand-filling projects, internal road construction in Ogu-Bolo and the construction and maintenance of the Kira-Ogu-Bolo Road as evidence of development in the area.
Frank also said Ogu-Bolo had benefited from three major political appointments facilitated through the coalition leader’s office, assuring Wike of the community’s appreciation and continued support.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Lawrence Abeabiari, reaffirmed the traditional institution’s support for Wike and pledged that voters in the area would support candidates of the Rainbow Coalition and APC.
Abeabiari disclosed that the community had named two prominent infrastructure locations after the FCT minister in recognition of his contributions to the area. They include 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.
In his remarks, Lucky Worika, who spoke on behalf of Ogu-Bolo stakeholders, praised Wike for what he described as his longstanding contributions to the area’s development and the political empowerment of its indigenes.
He also declared the community’s support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.
Describing the visit as an important milestone in political cooperation and development, Worika said Wike’s tenure as Rivers State governor and his current position in Abuja had brought increased visibility and federal presence to Ogu-Bolo.
He expressed appreciation to Tinubu and Wike for facilitating federal appointments for prominent sons and daughters of the area.
Among those he highlighted were Alabo Boma Iyaye, Executive Director of Finance and Administration at the NDDC; Dame Maureen Tamuno, Managing Director of the Abuja Investment Company; and Senator George Sekibo, Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal Oil and Gas Polytechnic.
According to Worika, Boma Iyaye’s appointment to the NDDC had helped attract 19 major development interventions to Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area.
He listed some of the projects as the reconstruction of Ogu General Hospital, alongside a 70kVA solar power station; the Ele/Opu-Ama Link Road; the Kira-Bolo Road; and the construction of internal roads and installation of streetlights in Ogu and Bolo communities.
Other interventions, he said, included sand-filling projects, low-cost housing estates, teachers’ quarters in secondary schools across Ogu, Bolo and Wakama-Ama, scholarships, free medical missions and youth skills acquisition programmes.
Worika also recalled projects he attributed to Wike’s previous positions as Rivers State governor and Minister of State for Education.
Among the projects he listed were the reconstruction of Government Secondary School, Ogu; the Kira Bridge; the Ogu-Eteo and Ogu-Wakama Link Roads; a landing jetty in Ele Community; and the elevation of the traditional stools of Ogu and Bolo to first- and second-class status, respectively.
He further said the area benefited from interventions through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), including the renovation of Community Primary School, Ikpo-Ama, and the construction of the facility currently housing Command Science Secondary School in Ogu.
While acknowledging Ogu-Bolo’s maritime, agricultural and tourism potential, Worika drew attention to persistent challenges facing riverine communities, particularly limited access to healthcare, potable water, electricity and maritime transportation, as well as environmental sustainability concerns.
He appealed to Wike to continue using his position and national influence to attract more federal investment to the area.
Reaffirming the community’s commitment to peace, unity and youth empowerment, Worika outlined its political position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“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 ceremony ended with traditional expressions of goodwill as the people of Ogu-Bolo welcomed the minister with the traditional greeting, “Ibosa,” signifying that he was among his own people.
