By Our Reporter
The Peter Obi Media Office has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, of exploiting their public offices for partisan political confrontations and intimidating political opponents.
The office described the conduct of the two ministers as disturbing, accusing them of treating the authority entrusted to them by Nigerians as personal property for advancing political interests.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, November 15, 2026, and signed electronically by Idris Zekeri Jnr., the office said public office should not be used as an instrument for political intimidation, personal vendettas or the pursuit of narrow partisan interests.
It stressed that government ministers were not political warlords and that public institutions should not be treated as extensions of politicians’ personal organisations.
The statement said Wike and Keyamo should recognise that their positions were held in trust for Nigerians rather than for the protection of political egos or partisan interests.
The Peter Obi Media Office also faulted what it described as attempts to portray partisan political activities as patriotism, insisting that genuine patriotism should be measured by service, integrity, respect for the rule of law and commitment to citizens’ welfare.
It argued that forceful political rhetoric, attacks on opponents and unconditional defence of a government did not automatically translate into patriotism.
“Nigerians must differentiate political antagonism from genuine patriotism and understand that loyalty to a political establishment is not equivalent to commitment to the nation,” the statement said.
The office further maintained that no individual or political organisation had an exclusive monopoly on patriotism.
Expressing concern over the country’s prevailing challenges, including poverty, insecurity, unemployment and the rising cost of living, it said senior public officials should concentrate on their responsibilities of governance rather than political disputes.
According to the statement, Nigerians did not entrust public institutions to government officials for use in political conflicts but for the service and advancement of the nation.
It warned that although public office was temporary, the consequences of its abuse could have lasting effects on the country’s democratic institutions.
The office consequently called on the two ministers to demonstrate accountability, restraint and respect for democratic principles in the discharge of their responsibilities.
It concluded that Nigeria needed public servants and nation-builders rather than political combatants and enforcers, insisting that patriotism must be demonstrated through service to the people rather than partisan propaganda.