In 1999, Obasanjo Did Something Similar By Walking Across Party Lines To Nominate Bola Ige – Michael Falokun

Michael Falokun, a notable Nigerian social critic and public affairs specialist, recently highlighted an intriguing historical comparison. He contrasted Nyesome Wike’s nomination to the ministerial list to a previous episode involving former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999.

Falokun emphasized Nyesome Wike’s track record as governor, garnering him the moniker “Mr. Project” for his effective leadership and several development efforts in his state during his eight-year term.

Many of the lawmakers on the list of ministerial nominees have also done exceptionally well in commissioning projects in their respective states.

Concerned about Wike’s nomination crossing party lines, Falokun drew a parallel to the past, citing Obasanjo’s 1999 nomination of Bola Ige as Attorney General of the Federation from a different political party.

According to Falokun, this historical example emphasizes the necessity of competence and the importance of recognizing achievements outside party connections.

He said, “Nyesome Wike had been an outstanding governor in his state during his tenure. No PDP member can say Wike did not successful lead his state for the past eight years and delivered. This is a man that has been name ‘Mr Project’ within and outside the state. Many of the Politicians in the ministerial nominees list have all commissioned one project or the other within the states.

“Nyesome Wike being on the list is an indication of walking across party aisle. If you recall, in 1999, Obasanjo did something similar by walking across party lines to appoint Bola Ige as the Attorney General of the Federation.

I see no reason why we should cry foul in the face of compitence. I understand the argument that Nyesome Wike is an old politician but he is an old politician that have comfortably done his work and the testament are there for everyone to see.”