If I Wake Up Any Day and Nobody Comes to Say They’re Abusing Me, I’ll Say Something Is Wrong—Wike

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of FCT, in a video posted by Channels Television, asserted his willingness to make tough decisions, even in the face of criticism on social media. He stated that facing criticism is an integral part of leadership, emphasising that if he doesn’t receive any abuse, he feels something is fundamentally wrong.

The minister acknowledged that leaders are often not praised because their decisions may impact people negatively, leading to criticism. He underscored the challenges of presiding over Abuja, highlighting the diverse population of individuals from various backgrounds. He notes that making decisions in such a context is not easy, especially compared to leading a state like Rivers. He encouraged leaders not to be scared or run away from making decisions, stressing that criticism is an expected part of the leadership role.

According to him, “To preside over Abuja is not an easy thing; it’s not like Rivers State. Every Nigerian is there. Big men, poor men, and for you to take a decision, you know I can take tough decisions, and I say nothing will happen, nothing will happen. If you like, go to the whole social media, abuse me. If I don’t see any abuse, I don’t even feel comfortable. If I wake up any day and nobody has come to tell me they’re abusing me, I say something is fundamentally wrong. No leader is praised because you will take decisions that will affect people, so they will abuse you. So don’t run away; it’s only when you’re not prepared that you’ll begin to be scared.”