‘They were paid’ — Wike speaks on protesters demanding his resignation

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), says those who protested to demand his resignation, have been paid.

Since he took over as the minister, Wike has introduced some directives, including asking landowners to recertify their existing certificate of occupancy (C-of-O).

He has also ordered the demolition of several structures considered illegal or violating the Abuja master plan.

On Wednesday, civil society organisations, under the aegis of the Network of Civil Societies for Economic Sustainability, staged a protest at the national assembly complex, Abuja, to demand Wike’s resignation as FCT minister.

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

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

Speaking on Thursday at the flag-off of remedial work on roads in the FCT, Wike dismissed the protest as a “paid rally”.

He added that while government policies may not favour everyone, leaders need to remain firm, noting that the important thing is for citizens to benefit in general.

“Yesterday someone told me there were some people carrying placards. Frankly speaking, I don’t have the time to see that. I was busy and I don’t want to be distracted. I want to be focused and deliver on the mandate Mr. President has given us,” Wike said.

“But one thing you must understand is that this is a democracy, so many people are entitled to their opinions. But what is important is your opinion must be in line with what is good for the people of FCT.

“We can’t do the same thing the same way and expect to achieve different results.

“One of the big things about leadership is that you must be firm, you must be bold, you must be courageous to take decisions.

“And we have taken decisions to make sure our people are happy with this administration. We have taken a decision to do the best for people as mandated by Mr. President.

“Policies you make may not favour so many people, but what is important is the generality of the people, not a few people who benefit at the detriment of others.

“When you bring a policy that will bring change, so many people will kick against it. Those who benefit will kick against it.

“But when you are focused and firm, they have no choice than to come back and align themselves with the policies of the government.

“We must take decisions, no matter how hard it is. But what is important is that at the end of the day, the people should benefit from it.

“So nobody should be bothered that there are people who were paid — they have collected the money and everything ended yesterday. We are used to all this so nobody should be worried that people are demonstrating.

“What we want people to ask us is what we have achieved in these few months.”