Wike Is No God: He’s A Big Fool; His Arrogance Has Expiry Date
The video of the confrontation between Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister and a young Nigerian soldier Lt. AM Yerima went viral on the internet. Yerima was part of a unit that prevented Wike from accessing a disputed plot of land in Abuja. In the video, Wike is heard saying to the soldier: “You are a very big fool. At the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.” The officer sharply responded: “I am not a fool sir.”
Wike is not a god, but a big fool. His arrogance has expiry date. By now, Nigerians are used to Wike’s self glorification as FCT minister and acts like a god. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other Wike’s admirers have turned him to a divine figure, fueling the cult-like reverence surrounding him.
Nigerians who see ministers, legislators, and other public servants as gods need to wake up. Democracy isn’t about worship, it’s about scrutiny, it’s about questioning those in power. A god is supposed to provide for his people, to guide them, to protect them. But Wike and other appointed officials and elected politicians who act like gods are creating more problems for the people than solving their problems.
Why should the young officer or any Nigerian hailed Wike as invincible? Why should we fear a mere mortal like Wike? Any blind devotion to public official is dangerous. History tells us that when leaders are treated as gods, democracy begins to crumble. Because of our political deification of our public servants, it has become almost impossible to question authority. In fact, questioning or holding public officials accountable is seen as blasphemy. Thus it is not surprising for Nigerians to lambast critics of heretical public officials: “You have no respect for age.” “He’s older than your dad.” “Why are you so rude to an old man?”
Nigerians should stop this nonsense. They should realize that no politician no matter how charismatic or highly placed, is above scrutiny and accountability. Wike is not a god. He’s a public servant and he must be treated as one. Wike is a poisonous public servant who behaves as though he’s a god and not a minister of FCT. He’s one of the false gods of the public sector.
Wike forgets his position is meant to serve, not to dominate. He treats people with contempt and coldness. He acts as if Nigerians owe him a favor for doing his job. His behavior is not only unbecoming, but despicable as a public official. Wike as FCT minister, thrives by manipulating the process, playing politics, punish those who dare to challenge him. Wike who thinks his office is a throne, should remember power is temporary. The almighty FCT minister ought to know that public service is about humility, compassion, and respect. He ought to know it is about using his position to make Nigerian’s lives better – not to make himself feel superior.
With time, Wike’s throne will crumble. His mask will fall. The walls of arrogance and superiority that he built around himself will no longer protect him. The comfort of his position as FCT minister is temporary. Sooner than later, justice will come for the false god like Wike who believed he’s above accountability.
Bayo Oluwasanmi
