Favour Ishember, Abuja
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has accused the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) of abandoning its role as a defender of the rule of law and becoming a political organisation, while insisting that former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, is unfit to occupy Nigeria’s highest office.
Speaking during his September monthly media chat in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Wike alleged that the NBA had taken partisan positions instead of remaining an impartial professional body.
“The Nigerian Bar Association has now taken sides politically. They are now a political party,” he said, warning that the association should not allow itself to become a platform for political endorsements.
The minister also launched a fresh attack on Amaechi, his long-time political rival, saying anyone who allegedly shut down courts and violated democratic principles should not be entrusted with national leadership.
“Rotimi Amaechi, who wants to be Vice President today, once shut down the courts in Rivers State and caused a pregnant woman to give birth in prison,” Wike alleged.
He urged Nigerians to critically examine the track records of those seeking public office, especially individuals who claim to uphold democracy and the rule of law.
Wike also paid an emotional tribute to his late political associate, Chief Dan Orbih, describing his death as one of the greatest personal losses he has suffered.
“Dan Orbih’s death is a big shock to me. I am not sure if I can recover from his death,” he said.
He described the late Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain as a dependable ally and a courageous leader who remained steadfast even in difficult times.
On the recent flooding in parts of Abuja, Wike blamed years of illegal construction on waterways, compounded by the effects of climate change.
He disclosed that the FCT Administration had suspended a director of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) for allegedly granting illegal building approvals on waterways.
“The flooding in Abuja is a result of years of illegal development on waterways, while climate change has worsened the situation. We have suspended an FCDA director who unlawfully approved such buildings,” he said.
The minister further assured residents that every project awarded under President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the FCT would be completed before the administration ends on May 29, 2027.
According to him, the administration has completed 23 of the 25 projects inherited from former President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, with the remaining two nearing completion.
He added that six out of the eight projects inherited from the administrations of former Presidents Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan had also been completed, while work continues on the remaining two.
Wike insisted that no project initiated under the Tinubu administration would be abandoned and challenged critics to compare the current FCT Administration’s infrastructure record with those of previous administrations since 1999.
He maintained that his administration remains committed to delivering all ongoing projects and is prepared to be judged by its performance.
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