Viral video sparks debate as Vice President Shettima drinks from newly commissioned supply while Wike abstains

A viral incident at the commissioning of the Karu Water Supply Network in Abuja on Monday drew attention after Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, refused to drink water from the new facility, while Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, took a symbolic sip. The event took place in Karu area, marking the completion of a major infrastructure project aimed at providing potable water to Karu, Jikwoyi, Kurudu, Orozo and neighbouring communities within Abuja Municipal Area Council.

According to videos circulating on social media, Shettima was seen drinking from a glass filled with water drawn directly from the newly completed supply network. The act was intended as a demonstration of confidence in the quality of the water now available to residents. However, Wike, standing beside the vice president during this symbolic gesture, did not drink from his own glass—a moment that quickly became a subject of intense discussion online and among residents.

The Karu Water Supply Network is one of the flagship projects under President Tinubu’s administration in the FCT and is designed to address long-standing challenges around access to safe and reliable drinking water for fast-growing satellite communities on Abuja’s outskirts. Many residents in these areas have historically depended on unsafe or unreliable sources for their daily water needs. At the event, Vice President Shettima stated: “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.” He emphasised that improved access to clean water would directly benefit public health and enhance living standards for thousands.

Minister Wike also commended the completion of the project, noting during his remarks that it would improve daily life for many residents who had previously faced difficulties accessing clean water. He recalled promising during the flag-off ceremony that government would deliver on its commitment: “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,” he said at that earlier event.

Despite official optimism about the project’s impact, it was Wike’s refusal to take part in the ceremonial tasting that dominated social media reactions. One user remarked: ‘A public servant questioning a public infrastructure made by his office… How do you trust who does not trust his work.’ As at press time, neither Wike nor officials of FCT Administration have issued any statement explaining his decision or responding to speculation. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/video-moment-wike-refuses-to-drink-from-newly-commissioned-abuja-water-project-as-shettima-takes-a-sip-2026062517115992016