The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has asserted that he played a key role in popularizing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and establishing it as a major political force at both state and national levels.
Wike made the comments during his monthly live media chat held in Abuja on Monday. Responding to criticism from Chief Bode George, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, regarding the recent sealing of the party’s National Secretariat, Wike dismissed the concerns and advised the elder statesman to “stay at home and read newspapers” if he had no other occupation.
He clarified that the party was unable to pay the outstanding ground rent because the property is not registered in the name of either himself or the PDP.
“I can’t pay because it’s not in my name. They can’t pay because the property isn’t in theirs,” Wike said.
He continued, “If an elderly man has no job, he should stay at home and read his newspapers. Bode George claimed that the PDP gave me a national profile — and I agree. But it’s not the party that makes you; it’s your work that helps the party win elections.
“Ask Bode George which prominent figure the PDP has produced in Lagos since 1999. You’re addressing someone who has toiled and campaigned tirelessly for the party’s success across the country.
“Meanwhile, in his own state, the party continues to struggle. Even when President Jonathan was in office, we knew the efforts we made to help the PDP gain ground — though it ultimately didn’t succeed,” he added.