Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has continued his sharp rebuttal of comments made by Senator John Mbata, President‑General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, describing the criticism as inconsistent, contradictory and lacking logical coherence.
The latest exchange follows remarks by Senator Mbata during a live television broadcast on TVC, in which he referred to Wike both as a “gentleman” and as someone who “loves political crises.” Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, reacted strongly to the critique — questioning how a “gentleman” could simultaneously be accused of enjoying political instability.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, the FCT minister highlighted what he described as conflicting statements by Mbata and urged critics to avoid mixing praise with allegations in ways that undermine credibility. “They said I’m a gentleman. That’s what he said—that I love crisis,” Wike said. “Can a gentleman love crisis?” he asked rhetorically, stressing that the juxtaposition of complementary praise with accusatory assertions defies logical consistency.
Wike also pointed out that Senator Mbata had previously used more disparaging language about him, recalling an earlier description in which the Ohanaeze leader allegedly referred to him as “semi‑illiterate.” The minister argued that the shift from a disparaging label to an ostensibly respectful one reflects a lack of coherence in the criticism. “Somebody who said I’m semi‑illiterate is saying that a gentleman loves crisis,” he said. “The person who read to the moon is making such contradictions.”
Political observers say the exchange underscores broader tensions between the minister and certain civil society and community leaders, particularly within segments of the Igbo socio‑political establishment. Mbata’s initial comments were widely interpreted in media circles as part of a broader critique of Wike’s political style and his perceived role in contemporary national power dynamics, especially as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
Wike’s latest response comes amid ongoing public debate over his role as FCT minister and his perceived influence in national politics. Supporters frame him as a pragmatic politician whose actions are guided by strategic considerations, while detractors often characterise his style as confrontational or disruptive. The minister’s current rebuttal seeks to neutralise narratives that paint him as antagonistic or crisis‑prone.
The FCT minister’s comments also reflect a broader pattern of sharp exchanges between political elites and leading figures within Nigeria’s civil society and community structures. Such exchanges often highlight the overlapping spheres of political critique, ethnic advocacy and personal reputation that shape national discourse, especially in the critical run‑up to major elections.
Analysts note that while public figures are entitled to critique one another, the consistency and logic of statements matter for credibility, particularly when those statements are aired on national platforms. By highlighting what he perceives as contradictions in Mbata’s remarks, Wike is seeking not only to defend his character but also to shift attention to what he frames as political misdirection by his critics.
As the debate unfolds publicly, both supporters and opponents of Wike continue to stake out positions across media platforms and social networks. For many observers, the episode illustrates the increasingly fractious terrain of Nigerian public life, where rhetoric and reputation intersect with broader questions about leadership, political motivation and national unity.
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