Former federal lawmaker Shehu Sani has pledged to address Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike's recent comments on democracy, challenging Wike's remarks at an event. In an interview on Channels Television's Sunday Politics, Sani expressed his intention to respond to Wike's statements, accusing the minister of strategically speaking last at events to avoid rebuttals.
Sani emphasized that his response would not be personal, clarifying that Wike's comments were directed at the Senate's contributions to democracy, not specifically at him. However, Sani maintained that he would hold Wike accountable for his words, highlighting the struggles made to establish democracy in Nigeria.
"Wike is my good friend. I would have preferred to reply to him at an event rather than on TV," Sani said. "I have attended two events where he strategically placed himself at the end and made sure nobody replied him, but I believe that when an opportunity comes next, I am going to take him on."
Sani reflected on his experiences in the struggle for democracy, stating, "Nobody can demean the struggle we did to free Nigeria from military dictatorship. If not for our struggles, people like Wike couldn't have been local government chairman, governor, or minister today. He is a beneficiary of our struggles and sweats and all that we have invested in it."
Sani recalled his time as a political prisoner in Port Harcourt Prison, questioning Wike's whereabouts during that period. He vowed to respond to Wike at their next meeting, saying, "Next time, when we go for an event, since I know his formula – speaking last, closing the chapter, and everybody should go home – it will never happen again. He will certainly get a reply."