2027: Wike questions Obi’s patriotism over anthem

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his alleged refusal to stand for the national anthem at a party gathering in Lagos.

Wike said the action raised questions about Obi’s commitment to Nigeria, arguing that a presidential aspirant who disregarded national symbols could not be trusted with the country’s leadership.

The minister spoke on Friday at a stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, organised by the Rainbow Coalition to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid and All Progressives Congress candidates in the 2027 elections.

His comments followed a viral video from an NDC meeting in Lagos on Thursday, where Obi, the party’s Lagos governorship candidate, Funso Doherty, and some supporters reportedly declined to recite the current national anthem and instead sang the former anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots”.

Addressing traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and party faithful, Wike said Obi had shown disrespect for the country by remaining seated during the current anthem but standing when the former anthem was sung.

“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 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 as Anambra State governor, alleging that he frequently abandoned political parties during internal crises instead of resolving them.

He further faulted the former governor for not conducting local government elections during his eight-year tenure, describing it as inconsistent with his professed commitment to the rule of law.

Wike also criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

He questioned Amaechi’s record as Minister of Transportation, citing the state of seaports during his tenure. He also alleged that Government Secondary School, Ogu, was demolished under Amaechi’s administration without being rebuilt, and faulted him over an unfulfilled promise to construct a 1,000-bed specialist hospital.

Urging residents of Ogu-Bolo to disregard what he described as “big grammar” from opposition politicians on television, Wike maintained that Tinubu’s administration had delivered projects and other benefits to the area.

He cited the construction of the Ogu-Bolo Civic Centre, facilitated through the appointment of an indigene, Boma Iyaye, to a federal position, as well as the restoration of local government autonomy, which enabled the election of council chairmen.

Wike urged residents to support Tinubu’s re-election, Kingsley Chinda’s governorship bid in Rivers State and other APC candidates contesting National Assembly seats.

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Earlier, the Chairman of Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area, Vincent Nemieboka, said the meeting brought together traditional rulers, Community Development Committee executives, youth leaders, women’s groups and elders.

Nemieboka said the council’s support for Wike was based on projects and political appointments secured for indigenes of the area.

“Considering the volume of things, projects, and appointments you have directed to be implemented in this local government area, we will be glad to welcome you always, support you always, and follow you always,” he said.

The Amanyanabo of Bolo, King Acheseinimie Frank, also commended Wike, citing ongoing sand-filling projects, internal road construction and maintenance of the Kira–Ogu-Bolo Road through the Niger Delta Development Commission.

Frank said Ogu-Bolo had benefited from three major political appointments facilitated through Wike’s office and assured the minister of the community’s gratitude.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Lawrence Abeabiari, pledged that residents would vote for candidates of the Rainbow Coalition and the APC.

Abeabiari said the community had named a road at Enelechi Phase 1 and the Sandfield project after the minister.

“Your Excellency, go home and sleep. Without doubt, by noon on Jan. 16, 2027, all candidates will be delivered,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of Ogu-Bolo stakeholders, Prof. Lucky Worika commended Wike for attracting federal projects to the area and thanked Tinubu for appointing indigenes to key positions.

He listed the appointees as 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.

Worika said Iyaye’s appointment at the NDDC had facilitated 19 ongoing interventions in the local government area.

He listed the projects to include the reconstruction of Ogu General Hospital, with a 70kVA solar power station; the Ele/Opu-ama Link Road; the Kira–Bolo Road; low-cost housing estates; scholarships; and free medical missions.

Worika also recalled projects associated with Wike’s time as Rivers State governor and Minister of State for Education, including the reconstruction of Government Secondary School, Ogu, the Kira Bridge and the elevation of the traditional stools of Ogu and Bolo to first- and second-class status.

While drawing the minister’s attention to challenges facing riverine communities, including access to healthcare, potable water and maritime transportation, Worika reaffirmed the stakeholders’ support for Tinubu’s re-election and Chinda’s governorship bid.

NAN