Tinubu Has No Power” — Wike Fires Back At Peter Obi Over Subsidy Gains

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has responded to comments by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on the management of the financial gains from the removal of fuel subsidy.

Wike argued that President Bola Tinubu does not have the constitutional authority to dictate to state and local governments how they should spend the additional revenue allocated to them following the subsidy removal.

The former Rivers State governor made the remarks on Wednesday during a media parley in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

According to Wike, rather than directing criticism at the Federal Government, Obi should focus on how states and local governments have utilised the increased allocations they receive.

He said, “All he should have asked is, ‘Having removed the subsidy, what do you do with the gains?’ This is what I think a reasonable person should talk about.

“Now, the government has said the gains have been shared among sub-nationals. Tinubu has no power to say, ‘State, this is what you should do with the funds that you’ve brought in from the fuel subsidy.’

“He has no power to tell local governments what to do with their money. All tiers of government are independent.”

Wike maintained that the increased allocations had improved the financial position of many states, arguing that governments that previously struggled to pay workers’ salaries and pensions were now in a better position to meet their obligations and execute development projects.

“Today states are saying, unlike before, we can’t pay salaries or pensions, and there are strikes all over the place. Now there are no strikes; there are advantages. Now, I have money to carry out projects,” he said.

The FCT minister also commended President Tinubu for removing the fuel subsidy, describing the decision as a bold move that previous administrations had been unwilling to make.

“Tinubu deserves kudos for taking the bold decision no president took. Now, it’s time for states to account for the funds they have gotten,” Wike said.