I read from the media that Minister Nyesom Wike has accused the Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Mr. Peter Obi of causing division and lawlessness due to the rendition of the old national anthem by NDC supporters in Lagos yesterday during Mr. Obi’s town hall meeting. Can you imagine?
If this report is true, Minister Wike needs to look in the mirror. It is extraordinary that someone whose political conduct in and outside Rivers State has been widely associated with deep divisions, political upheaval and prolonged instability, can suddenly appoint himself the moral referee of Nigerian politics.
His role in the political controversies surrounding the 2023 presidential election in Rivers, his open political manoeuvring across party lines – PDP/APC, and the confusion his actions have generated make his latest sermon particularly difficult to take seriously.
You cannot be an arsonist in your own backyard and turn up elsewhere preaching fire safety. Minister Wike has no moral authority to lecture others on political tolerance, unity or responsible leadership. He should put his own house in order before attempting to police the conduct of others.
For the avoidance of doubt, the rendition of the old national anthem in Lagos was entirely imromptu, initiated by the people themselves. It was not scripted, orchestrated or planned by anyone. It was simply in the moment, as expressed by citizens, nothing more, nothing less. And if you watched another part of the video, they went on to sing the current national anthem.
Minister Wike should stop distracting Nigerians from the gargantuan failures of the government he’s trying very hard to sell. We need to focus on the issues that matter to Nigerians in this election – the economy, and the crippling hardship inflicted by the APC government.
Vote NDC
Signed
Dr. Chiogo Constance Ikokwu
Spokesperson NDC National Campaign Council
