Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, criticized Shehu Sani and Mike Ozekhome, SAN, for their recent comments on the current administration. The confrontation occurred during the This Nigeria Annual Lecture and Gold Prize Award, 2024, held to celebrate Nigeria’s 25 years of uninterrupted democracy.
At the event, Chief Ozekhome, the guest lecturer, angered Wike by failing to acknowledge the country's progress over the past 25 years in his speech. Additionally, Shehu Sani, a former federal lawmaker, called on President Bola Tinubu to address hunger in Nigeria, a remark that did not sit well with Wike.
Wike challenged Sani's effectiveness as a Senator and questioned Ozekhome's ethics, suggesting that the senior lawyer had never turned down a case, even defending election riggers.
“I expected the lecture to highlight some progress made over the past 25 years,” Wike stated. “Instead, it was criticism after criticism. Are you saying that in 25 years, no progress has been made?”
Wike also pointed out that despite the challenges, some positive strides have been made under the current democracy, urging for a more balanced view.
The event highlighted ongoing tensions between government officials and activists regarding Nigeria's political and social landscape.
