According to report by Arise News on Thursday July 3rd, 2025, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at former Senate President David Mark, accusing him of neglecting basic infrastructure development in his home constituency of Otukpo during his 12-year tenure in the National Assembly.
Speaking on Arise TV Morning Show on Thursday, 3rd July 2025, Wike expressed shock that despite Mark’s powerful position as Senate President and his long years in office, he allegedly failed to deliver a single road project connecting the town to other parts of Benue State.
“How can you be in power for 12 years, preside over the Senate, and not give your own people even one road project?” Wike questioned.
“Yet, anytime he came to Otukpo, he flew in by helicopter. He never used the same bad roads his people suffer on daily.”
Wike’s remarks come amid rising criticism of political leaders who are seen as detached from the realities of the communities they represent. He stressed the need for leaders to prioritize grassroots development over personal convenience and called for greater accountability in governance.
The statement has sparked a flurry of reactions in Benue political circles, with some defending Mark’s record while others argue that the former senator could have done more to bring federal presence to his constituency.
David Mark, who represented Benue South Senatorial District from 1999 to 2019 and served as Senate President from 2007 to 2015, has yet to publicly respond to Wike’s comments.
