Wike Declines to Drink at Commissioning of Karu Water Project
A viral video from the commissioning of the Karu Water Supply Network in Abuja shows Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike refusing to drink a glass of water from the facility, while Vice President Kashim Shettima took a sip. The incident occurred on Monday during the official inauguration of the project, which is expected to provide potable water to Karu, Jikwoyi, Kurudu, Orozo, and surrounding communities.
In the video, Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the ceremony, is seen drinking water drawn from the newly commissioned supply network as a symbolic gesture of confidence in the water quality. Wike, standing beside the vice president, did not drink from his glass, a moment that quickly attracted attention on social media and triggered debate among Nigerians.
Online Reactions to Wike's Gesture
An X user commented: “A public servant questioning a public infrastructure made by his office.. what a man. How do you trust who do not trust his work.” The video was shared by the account @TrendingEx with the caption: “Trending Video: FCT Minister Nyesom Wike refused to drink water from the newly completed ultra-modern Karu Water Supply Network in Abuja, which is meant to provide potable water to surrounding communities.”
The commissioning ceremony marked the completion of a major water infrastructure project designed to improve access to clean water in the Abuja Municipal Area Council. Speaking at the event, Shettima described the project as more than just physical infrastructure. “We are here not just to cut a ribbon, but to breathe life into a fundamental human right that has eluded this bustling community for far too long,” the vice president said.
Project Details and Significance
Shettima noted that access to clean water remains a key indicator of development and said the project would improve public health and quality of life for thousands of residents who have long struggled with inadequate water supply. The Karu Water Supply Network includes extensive pipeline installations and supporting infrastructure to expand access to treated water across rapidly growing satellite communities on the outskirts of Abuja.
Wike, who has previously emphasized the importance of water infrastructure in the FCT, praised the completion of the project. He recalled that many residents had relied on unsafe or unreliable water sources. During the project's flag-off, the minister had assured residents: “By June next year, we will return here to commission this project and the people of Karu, Orozo, Kurudu and neighbouring communities will have access to clean drinking water.”
Despite the project's significance, the viral moment dominated online conversations, with many users sharing clips and speculating about Wike's decision not to drink. As of the time of filing this report, neither Wike nor FCT Administration officials have publicly commented on the incident.
