ABUJA, Nigeria – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has alleged that governors from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, forwarded a list of ten ministerial nominees to President Bola Tinubu.
The minister’s disclosure came during his inaugural press briefing on Monday, August 21, 2023, after his swearing-in by President Tinubu.
He fervently emphasized his commitment to restoring order to the FCT, dismissing notions of carrying out vendettas against political foes.
Drawing from the PDP’s actions, Mr. Wike clarified his stance on impartiality, stating he would neither favor nor discriminate against anyone, organization, or group who have defied the Abuja master plan.
He defiantly said, “I don’t care how you feel and where you come from; my primary responsibility is to reinstate Abuja to its intended status.”
Wike, who remains a staunch member of the PDP, brushed off potential penalties from the party for accepting a role from Tinubu.
He highlighted that even PDP governors had recommended individuals for ministerial roles to the President.
He was categorical in stating that his duty in the FCT transcends partisan politics, hinting that he would be unfazed about which party’s emblem to display in his office.
Commenting on the issue of security in the FCT, Wike stressed the President’s directive to ensure order.
He lamented the current state of affairs where makeshift markets obstruct public spaces, endangering security.
“Marketplaces cannot sprawl everywhere. The quest for sustenance shouldn’t come at the cost of public safety,” he emphasized.
The minister vehemently denied plans to target his adversaries, dismissing rumors about him pursuing buildings of those he disagrees with politically.
“Such beliefs are utterly absurd. My objective is purely administrative, not driven by vendetta,” Wike remarked.
Wike also expressed his concerns over sanitation in Abuja, criticizing the inefficiency of refuse collection agencies.
He concluded by revealing his intentions to negotiate with herdsmen about curbing cattle rearing within the city.
