‘He’s preoccupied with politicking in Rivers’ — activist tackles Wike over insecurity in Abuja

Deji Adeyanju, human rights activist and convener of concerned Nigerians, has criticised Nyesome Wike, minister of federal capital Territory (FCT), over rising insecurity in Abuja.

In a statement on Friday, Adeyanju said he is greatly frightened and shocked by the incessant cases of kidnappings and killings in the FCT in recent months.

According to Adeyanju, the growing insecurity in Abuja is amplified due to the abrupt displacement of individuals, including scavengers and the destruction of shanties where disadvantaged people earned their livelihoods by the FCT administration.

Adeyanju added that the minister seems to be more preoccupied with politicking and engaging in power struggles in Rivers state, than securing the FCT.

“The safety and security of citizens should be of utmost priority for any responsible government, yet the FCT Minister, Nyesome Wike, bears a significant responsibility for the escalating insecurity in the capital city,” the statement reads.

“It is disheartening to witness the nonchalant attitude displayed by the FCT Minister towards the security challenges faced by the residents of Abuja.

“Instead of taking responsibility as the Chief Executive Officer of the FCT, he was busy blaming council chairmen for traveling out of their area council just yesterday when he spent days partying and politicking in Rivers State himself.

“He has refused to actively address the pressing issues facing the FCT.

“He seems to be more preoccupied with politicking and engaging in power struggles in his home state of Rivers.

“This neglect of duty has left the people of Abuja vulnerable and exposed to the nefarious activities of criminals.”

“Rather than adequately relocating these individuals and providing them with alternative means of sustenance, the Minister has callously sent them to the streets, exacerbating the desperation and criminal activities in the city.”

Adeyanju urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and hold the minister accountable.

He also encouraged the security agencies to enhance their intelligence-gathering skills and increase their efforts to make the city safe for all residents to live in.

“I call the President to intervene and hold Minister Nyesome Wike accountable for the security challenges plaguing the FCT, he said.

“It is imperative that the Minister prioritizes the safety and well-being of the people rather than engaging in personal political battles.

“The President must address the security situation in Abuja decisively and ensure that necessary measures are taken to safeguard the lives and property of its inhabitants.

“If the concerns raised in this statement are not urgently addressed, we, at concerned Nigerians, will not hesitate to take to the streets in peaceful protests to demand justice and security for all. The lives of innocent citizens are at stake, and we will not allow their suffering to go unnoticed or unaddressed.”