Senator Adams Oshiomhole has praised the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his contributions to the administration of President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a valuable asset borrowed from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.
Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North in the Senate, expressed gratitude to the PDP for letting Wike, a senior member of the party, to serve in the All Progressives Congress-led government.
Channels TV reports that Oshiomhole, speaking at a New Year luncheon hosted by Wike in Port Harcourt on Friday, likened the move to a football club giving away its star player.
Oshiomhole said, “Thank you to PDP for giving us Nyesom Wike to help us fix Abuja. I don’t belong to any club, I only belong to Bendel Insurance but I listen to those who say they are Manchester United fans [and the likes].
“When you are giving your best player to another club, you pay heavily.”
He jokingly added, “Thank you for what you’re helping us in APC to do. PDP Rivers led you to us without saying we should pay a transfer fee.
We may not be happy to return you; we would even create a toll gate to prevent that.”
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, had supported Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election following disagreements with his party and was later appointed FCT minister.
Oshiomhole commended Wike’s efforts in transforming the FCT, emphasizing his dedication to enforcing the rule of law and implementing environmental policies.
“Tonight, we are celebrating a Nigerian who is adding value to the FCT; who is showing there has to be the rule of law and that we must respect certain environmental laws.
“So, thank you for what you are doing in Nigeria; thank you for what you are doing in Abuja,” he stated