“Someone who was washing his car has grown to be council chairman, a two term governor, and now a minister,” – Wike Replies Mbata

— Wike, Mbata

By Muyiwa Akinola

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has fired back at criticisms from Ohanaeze Ndigbo President, Senator John Mbata, turning attacks about his past into a bold story of political rise.

Speaking in a video aired on AIT, Wike addressed claims that he is “semi-illiterate” and once worked as a car washer. Rather than deny it, the minister embraced the narrative, insisting his journey speaks louder than insults.

“I heard someone ranting that I’m semi-illiterate. That’s fine—at least I’m not fully illiterate,” Wike said.

He went further, stressing that even if he once washed cars, that did not stop his progress. “Somebody who was washing his car has grown to be council chairman, governor, and a two-term minister,” he declared.

Wike’s remarks have since sparked intense reactions online, reigniting debates about humility, success, and political pedigree.

It should be recalled that President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, John Azuta Mbata, has knocked the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, labelling him a “semi-illiterate idiot” who once washed his car while receiving financial support for education and early politics.

The outburst was a reaction to a comment from Wike who mocked the Mbata’s eight years in Senate, saying it yielded nothing to his people. Mbata had previously defended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, saying there is only one legitimate governor in Rivers State.

Watch the video:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16aqmR1SpW/