A unified assembly of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) indigenes and various civil society groups convened at the National Assembly on Wednesday to voice their collective demand for the resignation of Nyesom Wike from his position as Minister of the capital city.
Organized under the banner of the Network of Civil Societies for Economic Sustainability, the protesters criticized Wike for his perceived incompetence and absence of a clear vision for the FCT. This gathering marked an unprecedented scale of protest in the history of FCT demonstrations.
In an impassioned address, the group’s convener, Adamu Kabir Matazu, characterized the former Rivers State governor as callous, indecorous, uncouth, greedy, and self-centered.
“Today, we unite to express our concerns about the trajectory of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under Nyesom Wike’s leadership. The current state is both abysmal and disconcerting, turning the FCT into a focal point of controversy due to Wike’s misguided actions. These actions not only undermine President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda but also cast a shadow on the federal government’s credibility,” Matazu declared.
“We are here to demand the immediate resignation or removal of Nyesom Wike from the position of FCT Minister, citing his deficiency in the character required for such a crucial office. A government committed to renewing the hope of its citizens must be led by individuals of exemplary character, not figures like Wike, who embody callousness, indecency, greed, selfishness, and a penchant for troublemaking.
“Wike has become an enduring embarrassment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and must be removed. While the Federal Government approaches reforms with calm and calculation, Wike has been insensitive, insulting the collective sensibilities of FCT residents and Nigerians in general. His actions are unnecessarily controversial and hurtful, and his language is foul, combative, and condescending, as if he is a deliberate affliction sent to the FCT by President Tinubu.
“Wike’s alleged involvement in land grabbing and cronyism has raised concerns, with suspicions that certain land reforms aim to dispossess Nigerians of their properties and transfer them to cronies. The FCT is gripped by tension under the menacing ‘Wike is Coming’ shadow.
“His recent clash with the Rivers State governor goes beyond a mere disagreement; it reflects dirty politics unsuitable for a civilized society. His preoccupation with personal vendettas has diverted attention from his primary responsibilities, neglecting critical objectives set by the federal government for the FCT.
“His high-handed approach to land policies, land revocations, perceived bias towards a specific region, and the questionable allocation of lands reek of corruption. These actions do not align with the government’s agenda for reforms and development in the FCT. Wike’s tactics, reminiscent of an emperor during his tenure as governor of Rivers State, pose a threat to the progress and growth we aspire to for our FCT and the nation at large.
“Furthermore, Wike’s disregard for decorum in media addresses and his reckless remarks, without considering their implications, are unbefitting of a public office holder. His lack of accountability and administrative failures are evident, posing a risk to the administration’s credibility.”
In light of these concerns, the Network of Civil Society for Economic Sustainability urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action to address Wike’s excesses.
The statement concluded: “It is in the nation’s best interest to promptly address Mr. Wike’s disruptive tendencies, safeguarding the integrity of this administration and ensuring the diligent pursuit of objectives set for the FCT without distractions.
“Let us unite in this call for accountability and responsible governance. Our nation deserves leaders who prioritize the public interest over personal agendas
