FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has taken a swipe at former Senate President David Mark over the condition of roads in Benue during his years in office.
ABUJA, FCT — Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, criticised former Senate President David Mark, saying he relied on helicopters to travel from Abuja to his hometown of Otukpo because the roads were in poor condition during his tenure. Wike made the remarks on Wednesday during the commissioning of the Arterial Road N16 and Ring Road II Interchange linking Jahi and Gwarimpa districts in Abuja.
The minister said Mark served as Senate President for eight years under the Peoples Democratic Party administration but failed to address the poor state of roads leading to Benue State. According to Wike, residents could not easily travel to Makurdi and Otukpo because of the condition of the highways, forcing prominent individuals to rely on air transport.
Speaking at the event, Wike said, “The poor people could not afford to go home because there was no road. David Mark was flying with a helicopter. Today, because of this administration, people can drive freely to Makurdi and Otukpo.” He added that the current administration had delivered major infrastructure projects within three years and deserved recognition for its efforts.
The comments came in response to recent criticism from the African Democratic Congress, where Mark currently serves as the party’s national chairman. Wike argued that even political opponents had acknowledged improvements in road infrastructure under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He also used the occasion to defend the government’s policy of completing projects initiated by previous administrations rather than abandoning them.
The former Senate President served from 2007 to 2015 and remains one of Nigeria’s longest-serving legislative leaders. He recently joined the ADC after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party and has emerged as one of the opposition figures criticising the current administration.
The development means political exchanges between the ruling party and opposition figures are likely to intensify ahead of the 2027 elections. It also places renewed attention on infrastructure development, governance records and the role of public officials in delivering projects that directly affect the daily lives of Nigerians.
Wike Criticises David Mark Over Helicopter Trips To Otukpo
