CSOs protest at national assembly, demand Wike’s resignation

Civil society organisations, under the aegis of the Network of Civil Societies for Economic Sustainability, have asked Nyesom Wike to resign as FCT minister.

The CSOs made the call during a protest staged at the national assembly complex on Wednesday.

Adamu Matazu, the convener, said Wike’s actions are detrimental to the progress and growth needed in the FCT and the nation at large.

He accused Wike of being inconsiderate of the plight of FCT residents, adding that the minister’s actions have been “controversial”.

“Today, we stand united to express our concern over the direction of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the watch of Nyesom Wike,” Matazu said.

“It’s abysmal and disturbing for the FCT to become an epicenter of controversy due to the misguided actions of Wike, which not only undermine President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda but also cast a shadow on the credibility of the federal government.

“We are here today to demand the immediate resignation from office or sack of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the FCT due to his deficiency in character required of his office and in a government that promises to renew the Hope of Nigerians.

“A government that wishes to give hope to its citizens must be run by men who possess quality character.

“Wike has remained a difficult person to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and should be gotten rid of.

“While the federal government has been calm and calculated in its reforms and its explanations to citizens on the rationale behind the policies of government, Wike has been insensitive; insulting the collective sensibilities of residents of the federal capital and Nigerians in general.”

Matazu alleged that some of the land reforms embarked on by Wike “are suspected to be targeted at dispossessing Nigerians of their properties and re-acquiring them through cronies”.

“His recent clash with the governor of Rivers isn’t just a mere disagreement but a display of dirty politics that has no place in a civilized society,” he added.

“His preoccupation with personal vendetta has diverted his attention from his primary responsibility, neglecting the critical objectives set by the federal government for the FCT

“His high-handedness in land policies, the revocation of lands, perceived animosity towards a particular section of the country, and the alarming manner in which lands are allocated, reeks of high-level corruption.

“His actions do not align with the government’s agenda for reforms and development in the FCT.

“The Network of Civil Society for Economic Sustainability, therefore, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action to contain the excesses of Wike.

“It is in the best interest of our nation that Mr. Wike’s disruptive tendencies are addressed promptly to safeguard the integrity of this administration and ensure that the objectives set for the FCT are pursued diligently and without distractions.”