In a fiery appearance on *Politics Today*, hosted by Seun Okinbajo on Channels TV, Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, unleashed a verbal onslaught that has left stakeholders reeling. Described by veteran journalist Dele Momodu as a “bull in a china shop,” Wike’s unrestrained remarks targeted critics of his political maneuvers, raising concerns about his conduct and its implications for Nigeria’s democratic fabric.
Momodu, in a scathing Facebook post, accused Wike of being “soaked in esoteric spirits” during the interview, disparaging opponents with reckless abandon. He argued that Wike, seemingly oblivious to the struggles that birthed Nigeria’s democracy in 1999, is undermining the nation’s hard-earned progress. “He is a bit too young to know and appreciate what it took to return Nigeria to Democracy,” Momodu wrote, signaling a deeper generational disconnect.
The veteran publisher recounted a past encounter with Wike, following an Instagram Live interview with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, during which Kanu criticized the minister. Wike, eager to counter the narrative, requested a right of reply through Momodu’s platform, *Ovation*. The interaction led to an invitation for *Ovation* to cover Wike’s projects in Port Harcourt. However, Momodu now claims Wike’s memory of their professional relationship is “fading rapidly.” In response to Wike’s recent remarks, Momodu has requested a right of reply on Channels TV next Monday to “copiously show Nigerians, and President Bola Tinubu in particular, the type of loose cannon he has unleashed on hapless citizens.”
Momodu’s post also took a personal turn, addressing Wike’s claim that he had eaten the minister’s “crass food.” The journalist dismissed the assertion, stating, “As stupendously wealthy as he is, his crass food was not the type anyone would savor.” Instead, Momodu claimed he introduced Wike to “exclusive champagnes and perfumes” and even influenced his style, recalling how Wike once admired him during his time with Wike’s former boss, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. “He was our boy then, but too much money has now turned him into a rude kid,” Momodu remarked, painting a picture of a man transformed by wealth and power.
The post included a provocative reference to Wike’s behavior, with Momodu suggesting the minister “urgently needs someone to rescue him before he goes stark raving mad in the marketplace.” He humorously noted that Wike’s “spittle” during the interview could “float a canoe in Rivers State,” underscoring the intensity of the minister’s outburst.
For stakeholders, Wike’s conduct raises critical questions about leadership decorum and its impact on governance. As a key figure in President Tinubu’s administration, his actions reflect the government’s commitment to fostering unity and constructive dialogue. Momodu’s allegations, backed by claims of evidence like “bags filled with gifts” he gave Wike, add a layer of intrigue to their past interactions, hinting at a complex relationship now soured by public disputes.
As Nigeria navigates its democratic journey, Wike’s latest controversy underscores the need for leaders to exercise restraint and focus on nation-building. Stakeholders will be watching closely as Momodu prepares to respond on Channels TV, potentially escalating this high-stakes political drama. Will Wike’s rhetoric unite or further divide? Only time will tell.
Photo Credits: Dele Momodu Instagram page
