Ngige – Faleke Drama: Nigerians React

Tobi Adebayo 

Mixed reactions have trailed the drama that occured between the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, and member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, Lagos State, James Faleke.

In a now viral clip that surfaced on Wednesday, Ngige, who was appearing before the House Ad Hoc Committee on the Arbitrary Breach of Presidential Directives on the Suspension of Top Management and Executive Members of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, said he was on the same level with the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

“Faleke, they said is up to 60. You are near my age, but I am at least seven years older than you. I’m sure. I am of the same age with your mentor in Lagos, Asiwaju. I was governor with him at the same time. He was a senator, and I was a senator. I am a two-time minister and he isn’t a two-time minister,” Ngige said.

“Mr Minister, please respond,” Faleke responded.

“I am responding. You yab me, I will yab you 10 times. I am a Lagos boy. You are just a small boy in Lagos. Look at this boy. Mushin boy is talking to a VI boy. I live in Victoria Island,” the minister fired again.

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Reacting to the exchange, a Twitter user, @martobono tweeted: “Truth is, none of the South East Politicians can be compared or can compete with Tinubu. Not even a combination of all of them since 1999. Rochas oh, Ngige oh, Obi oh, Mbadinuju combine all of them, them still no reach Tinubu political prowess people making. #SelfishBunch”

@TosinOlugbenga wrote: “The disposition of Igbo people would not have allowed a Tinubu to exist. You are talking of people with countless billionaires to subject themselves to the manipulation of one man. It’s impossible with my Igbo brothers.”

@OlusogaOwoeye tweeted: “Just Imagine Asiwaju struggling to be a Minister in 2020! Ao ni ri apada si buruku o. The Senate you are boasting about, Tinubu woke up one morning and dashed the Ticket to one of his mentee for his party loyalty in 2007. You are not a big boy because you are a Minister bro.”

@Aareofebonyi wrote: “The way these people are crying cos Ngige mentioned Tinubu…… You will think he’s their alpha and omega. Ngige and Tinubu that will still stay together before this week runs out to laugh at you all. We will be wise when we realise distraction tactics in Nigerian Politics.”

@fisayosoyombo tweeted: “Ngige’s dressing-down of Faleke highlights the I-am-older-than you excuse with which people in OFFICIAL places pass up responsibility. I’d have understaood if Ngige disgareed with Faleke on the basis of things like competence or moral presence. But age? In an official context?”

WATCH VIDEO BELOW:

Ngige to honourable faleke: you're a small boy, if you yab me I yab you back. I am a Lagos boy o. you grew in mushin I grew in VI. tah!!!! pic.twitter.com/SQFgh8UMk0

— Terry Ikumi (@terryikumi) July 22, 2020