Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has raised questions over the management of public funds by the previous Rivers State administration, alleging that $39 million was spent on a proposed 1,000-bed Justice Karibi-Whyte Specialist Hospital without the project reaching the foundation stage.
Wike made the allegation during an interactive town hall meeting with stakeholders in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he also questioned the expenditure on the state’s monorail project and the sale of a gas turbine.
The minister used the meeting to challenge politicians seeking public office to account for their records in government, arguing that voters should assess their achievements rather than rely solely on campaign promises.
According to Wike, the hospital project was expected to provide substantial healthcare infrastructure for Rivers residents, but he alleged that no foundation or block had been laid despite the amount reportedly spent.
“Thirty-nine million US dollars, 53 billion naira, gone! As I speak to you, there is no foundation, no one block laid,” he said.
He also alleged that about N60 billion was spent on the state’s monorail project, questioning its functionality and the benefits it had delivered to residents.
On the sale of a gas turbine, Wike claimed that the transaction was worth $308 million but alleged that only $308,000 remained in the relevant state account when he assumed office in May 2015.
The minister further recalled a proposal to spend $10 million on fumigating Rivers State to address mosquito-related concerns, questioning the rationale behind the proposed expenditure.
The allegations were presented during the meeting as part of Wike’s criticism of the previous administration’s handling of public resources. The claims were not independently verified in the account of the meeting, and a response from those implicated was not provided.
Beyond the financial allegations, Wike also turned his attention to the 2027 political contest, declaring support for President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He criticised the presidential ambition of Peter Obi, candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), describing him as stingy and questioning his suitability to govern Nigeria.
Wike also dismissed Obi’s popularity on social media as insufficient evidence of his capacity to lead the country, while challenging assessments of his tenure as Anambra State governor.
The FCT minister questioned the leadership direction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket and criticised politicians who change parties during internal crises, citing his own experience in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He maintained that political leaders should demonstrate the ability to confront challenges rather than abandon their platforms when disagreements arise.
Wike also announced that the Rainbow Coalition would unveil its candidates on Tuesday, October 27, naming Kingsley Chinda as its preferred candidate for the Rivers State governorship race.
He said the coalition comprised members of different political parties, including the APC and PDP, and expressed the hope that its activities would promote peace in Rivers State.
The minister also praised the completion of the Bonny-Bodo Road, describing it as a major development that had improved access to Bonny and reduced the difficulties residents previously encountered when travelling by boat.
Wike said he had drawn President Tinubu’s attention to the importance of the road project to the people of Bonny.
He assured residents that concerns raised during the town hall meeting would receive attention, while urging them to support candidates he described as experienced and committed to public service.
The meeting combined criticism of past government spending with political positioning ahead of the 2027 elections, as Wike sought to draw a distinction between the records of political officeholders and their promises to voters.
