By Sulaymon Ruqoya
October 30th, 2024
Nigerian actor and activist Mr. Macaroni has voiced his disapproval of former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike’s recent remarks to citizens, calling for more respect and humility from public officials.
Reacting to a viral video in which Wike, now FCT Minister, was heard asking citizens, “Are you stupid? Is it because I came down to talk to you?” Mr. Macaroni took to X on October 29, 2024, to criticize this behavior and urge accountability.
He wrote, “Nigerian politicians lack regard for Nigerians, and this is because they have never been accountable to the people. The other day the FCT Minister was addressing some Nigerians and he said; ‘are you stupid, is it because I came down to talk to you.’ You are a civil servant! What do you mean by ‘is it because I came down to talk to you’? You are talking to the people that pay your salary!”
Mr. Macaroni also emphasized the role of public servants, stating, “Whatever privileges your office allows you is as a function of your service to the people! You work for the people and not the other way around. Arrogance has no place in public office! Nigeria is not a private entity. Your duty is to serve! You are not anybody’s chairman.”
Addressing Wike directly, he further urged, “Dear @GovWike, you are a PUBLIC SERVANT! Next time you want to address the citizens who pay your salary, do so with utmost humility and respect. Never go about asking Nigerians if they are stupid… you are not doing anyone a favor by being Minister! ‘Is it because I came down to talk to you’ lol… You must think you are talking to your slaves.”
Mr. Macaroni’s remarks have sparked widespread conversation on the need for respect and accountability in Nigerian governance.