Subsidy: Tinubu took bold decisions Nigeria needed – Wike tells Bonny people
Minister Highlights Increased Allocations for States, Calls for Accountability
In a recent address, Federal Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike stated that states now receive a monthly allocation of at least 15 billion naira, excluding additional revenue sources. However, the minister did not provide a detailed breakdown of these figures or clarify whether this amount is consistent across all states.
Wike reflected on his time as governor of Rivers State, noting that when he took office in 2015, his monthly federal allocation was significantly lower. He argued that the increase in available resources for subnational governments should lead to improvements in infrastructure, education, and public services.
Wike emphasized the link between financial support and stability within the university sector, asserting that there have been no strikes at public universities in the three years leading up to his comments. He attributed prior industrial disputes to financial challenges associated with the previous subsidy regime, which disrupted academic calendars.
“Difficult economic decisions should be evaluated not just for their immediate impacts, but for their long-term benefits,” Wike said. He added that effective leadership sometimes necessitates making challenging decisions crucial for the broader advancement of the nation.
The minister cited the completion of the Bonny-Bodo Road as a notable achievement of the current administration. He explained that improved road access has alleviated the travel difficulties previously faced by residents and officials who relied on boats and helicopters to reach the island community, often contending with perilous tides and rough waters.
“The advantage is that we can now go by road to Bonny,” he stated. “This road has been a political promise for years. Many governments have vowed to complete it, but it has been realized under the present administration.”
Wike urged residents to evaluate political leaders based on their performance rather than campaign promises. He also criticized unnamed opposition figures, suggesting that some seek higher office without a record of substantial achievements.
Using a gambling analogy, Wike advised caution regarding politicians with repeated electoral failures. He expressed concerns over the abandonment of significant projects and criticized financial management under the previous Rivers State administration. Notable projects he referenced included the proposed 1,000-bed Justice Karibi-Whyte Hospital and a monorail initiative, which he claimed had seen considerable funds allocated without tangible progress.
“We paid $39 million for the proposed hospital, but it never even reached the foundation stage,” Wike asserted, also questioning the handling of a power plant sale to Sahara Energy for $308 million, claiming only $308,000 remained in the state’s account when he took office.
Earlier, Wike met with King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III at the monarch’s palace in Bonny, as part of his outreach to the local community. He aimed to discuss national developments and encourage informed political engagement ahead of the 2027 general election. Wike called on traditional rulers and community leaders to foster dialogue on governance and development, stressing that public policies should align with community needs.
In response, King Pepple welcomed Wike, highlighting the minister’s longstanding contributions to the kingdom’s development, particularly in establishing the Bonny Polytechnic and advancing the Bonny-Bodo Road project.
“The minister has been of complementary support to us,” the monarch said, emphasizing the strategic importance of Bonny Kingdom to Nigeria.
The Chairman of the Bonny Chiefs’ Council, Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Dagogo Soala Claude-Wilcox, invited Wike to the 30th anniversary celebration of the king’s coronation, scheduled for December 21, 2026. This event will honor the monarch’s three decades of leadership.
Additionally, George Tubara Tolofari, chairman of the Rainbow Coalition, commended Wike for facilitating reconciliation within the group after a period of division. He noted that meetings had successfully brought together members from previously opposing political factions.
“We are all one together as one big, indivisible family,” Tolofari expressed, expressing optimism about the coalition’s renewed unity.
