“Bode George’s Influence Has Never Won Election In Lagos, His Abuja House Built With Rivers Money” – Wike

By Ayodele Oni

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has claimed that Rivers State money was used to build Chief Bode George’s  Abuja House. George is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Wike, therefore, challenged George to explain how he acquired his house in Maitama, Abuja, while responding to criticism from the party leader.

Speaking during a media chat with journalists in Abuja, the Minister said many of the allegations against him were politically motivated and aimed at damaging his reputation.

He also dismissed  George’s criticism of his role in the PDP and allegations that he was influencing the judiciary.

Mocking George’s position as one of the founding fathers of the PDP, Wike stated that the party had failed to win elections in Lagos despite his long-standing position in the party.

“He calls himself a founding father of the PDP, yet since 1999 the party has not won any meaningful election in Lagos. A founding father should be judged by results, not by titles.”

Wike said he left behind a stronger PDP structure in Rivers State during his time as governor.

“I can point to what we achieved in Rivers. You should measure political leadership by what you have built, not merely by how long you have remained in the party,” he added.

The Minister also challenged George to explain how he acquired his house in Maitama.

“This man from Lagos, Bode George, when they talk about corruption, ask him about the house he is living in Maitama. Is it not Rivers State money?”, Wike added.

Wike also denied claims that he hosted the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to influence Court decisions, challenging anyone with evidence to make it public.

“It is unfair to make such allegations without proof. If anyone has evidence that I met with the Chief Judge to influence court decisions, let them bring it forward,” he said.

He added that politicians often accuse the Judiciary of corruption only after losing cases.

Referring to George’s corruption trial, Wike said many of his supporters expected him to be acquitted but criticised the Judiciary after his conviction.

The Minister also defended the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s construction of residential accommodation for judicial officers, saying it was part of the FCTA’s responsibility to provide public infrastructure.

He recalled that as Rivers State governor, his administration built quarters for the Federal High Court, the National Industrial Court and other federal institutions without attracting similar criticism.