Nigeria Nyesom Wike Dismisses Unrest Over Unemployment as Political Gimmick

Nyesom Wike, Nigeria's Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, criticized planned protests against President Bola Tinubu's administration as politically motivated. He argued that the current level of unemployment is not the administration's fault and urged patience as the government works on long-standing issues.

In a recent statement, Nyesom Wike, Nigeria’s Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), dismissed the planned nationwide protests against President Bola Tinubu's administration as politically motivated. Addressing journalists after inspecting the Karshi to Apo Road construction project, Wike argued that the dissatisfaction driving the protests is being exploited for political gain.

Wike acknowledged the widespread frustration among Nigerians due to high unemployment and economic hardship. However, he emphasized that the current administration should not be held responsible for these issues, asserting that the Tinubu-led government inherited a country facing deep-rooted problems. He criticized the unrealistic expectations placed on the new administration to resolve these issues immediately, suggesting that such demands are part of a political strategy rather than a genuine effort to address national concerns.

"The country is rotten," Wike stated, acknowledging the severity of Nigeria's challenges. He urged for patience, noting that significant changes take time. The minister accused some political figures of using the protests to gain popularity, claiming that these actions are part of broader political maneuvers as the country approaches upcoming elections.

The planned protests, which are set to last a week, aim to draw attention to the severe economic and security issues facing Nigerians. While some groups support the demonstrations as a necessary measure to highlight these problems, others remain skeptical of the motivations behind them.

Wike's comments underscore the ongoing tension between the government and various political factions, highlighting the complex interplay of politics and public sentiment in Nigeria's current political climate.