Tinubu only leader with courage to fix Nigeria now – Wike
Minister Declares President Tinubu as Nigeria’s Only Credible Leadership Option
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Abuja
Barr. Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, asserted that President Bola Tinubu is the sole credible leadership figure for Nigeria, noting that no other potential presidential contender has shown the resolve or capability to address the nation’s enduring economic challenges.
During his monthly media briefing on Tuesday in Abuja, Wike defended Tinubu’s economic policies, emphasizing the removal of the petrol subsidy as one of the boldest moves made by a Nigerian leader in recent decades.
Wike acknowledged that while these reforms have caused temporary hardships for the populace, they have also strengthened the financial positions of state governments. He discussed improvements in infrastructure funding and the elimination of reliance on bank loans for paying salaries.
“Asiwaju is the only person we have now,” Wike stated. “He has not solved every problem, but he has demonstrated the courage to make decisions others avoided. He deserves credit for that.”
The minister cautioned that recovery from an economy weakened over many years cannot be expected to occur swiftly.
“When problems have accumulated for over 15 years, it is unrealistic to expect resolutions in just one year. Healing takes time, but progress will come,” he added.
Wike referred to the former fuel subsidy regime as “a cancer,” reflecting on his experience as governor when he relied on borrowing to fulfill wage obligations due to decreasing allocations to states.
“The fuel subsidy consumed over ₦3 trillion at its peak. Today, states receive increased funding, pensioners are being compensated, and governors no longer need to approach banks for loans just to meet payroll,” he said.
He reiterated that true leadership is characterized by the willingness to make difficult decisions, rather than merely catering to popular opinion.
“Everyone recognized that the subsidy was a scam, yet no previous president had the political will to eliminate it. President Tinubu made that call. No decision is entirely flawless, but leadership entails taking responsibility for such choices,” Wike concluded.
