Obi’s media office accuses Wike, Keyamo of political intimidation

The media office of Peter Obi has accused Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, of using their positions to pursue partisan interests following their criticism of the former Anambra State governor over comments on the national anthem.
The Peter Obi Media Office, in a statement on Sunday, urged the ministers to stop what it described as the weaponisation of public institutions against political opponents.

The statement, signed by the Spokesperson for Peter Obi Media Reach, Idris Zekeri, described Wike and Keyamo as engaging in political confrontation under the cover of their official responsibilities.
It said public offices were held in trust for Nigerians and should not be used to advance political ambitions or settle personal scores.
“The Peter Obi Media Office strongly condemns the disturbing conduct of Ministers Nyesom Wike and Festus Keyamo, who appear to be exploiting their official positions for partisan political confrontation,” the statement said.
It added that the ministers were treating the authority entrusted to them by Nigerians as personal property to be deployed against political opponents.

“A government minister is not a political warlord. Public office is neither a private arsenal nor are Nigeria’s state institutions extensions of any politician’s personal political organisation,” the statement said.
The media office also faulted what it described as attempts to present partisan attacks as patriotism, arguing that national loyalty should be judged by public service, integrity and respect for the rule of law.
“Patriotism is not measured by the forcefulness of political rhetoric, the harshness of attacks on opponents or the unconditional defence of a government,” it said.

The statement maintained that loyalty to a political establishment should not be confused with commitment to the country, adding that no individual or political organisation had a monopoly on patriotism.
It further argued that the ministers should pay greater attention to the country's challenges, including poverty, insecurity, unemployment and the rising cost of living, rather than political disputes.
According to the media office, Nigerians did not entrust public institutions to government officials for use in political conflicts but for the service of the nation.

It called on Wike and Keyamo to demonstrate restraint, accountability and respect for democratic institutions, warning that the abuse of public office could have lasting consequences.
“Public office is temporary, whereas the effects of its abuse can endure for years,” the statement added.
The statement came amid criticism of Obi over his position on the national anthem, although it did not provide details of the specific remarks by Wike and Keyamo that prompted the response.