…Nigeria Democratic Front Urges Wike to Focus on FCT, Not Politics
The Nigeria Democratic Front (NDF) has called on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike to focus on managing the affairs of the FCT instead of meddling in state politics. The group expressed concern over Wike’s involvement in controversies in Rivers State, Bauchi State, and Osun State, saying the FCT is in a state of neglect.
The NDF highlighted the poor state of waste management in the FCT, citing a budget allocation of N111,913,176 for emergency waste clearance in the Dogon Gada community. Despite this, the group noted that the solid waste management system has collapsed, turning the city into a giant landfill.
The group urged Wike to resign if he is unable to perform his duties as FCT Minister, citing concerns over alleged financial impropriety. The NDF also called on President Bola Tinubu to rein in Wike and ensure he does not cause further damage to the administration.
*Wike’s Clashes*
- Senator John Mbata: Wike is at odds with Senator John Mbata, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, after Mbata accused Wike of poor education and overstepping his authority. Mbata declared that Rivers State has only one governor, a statement aimed directly at Wike.
- Governor Bala Mohammed: Wike’s also at odds with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, saying he lacks the political structure and cohesion within the PDP to ensure a smooth succession. Wike warned Mohammed to be careful, or he’ll “throw fire” into Bauchi politics.
- Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere: Wike’s clashed with Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, who called on President Tinubu to warn Wike to desist from insulting Mbata.
- APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru: Basiru has called on Wike to resign as FCT Minister and focus on Rivers State politics, saying his comments are unbecoming of a minister.
*Controversies Surrounding Wike’s Tenure*
- Land Allocation Scandal: Wike allocated 2.082 hectares of prime land in Abuja to his son’s company, valued at $3.6 billion, sparking allegations of corruption and self-dealing.
- Education Crisis: Primary schools in the FCT have been on strike for months, with hundreds of children out of school, due to Wike’s alleged neglect of education.
- Property Seizures: Wike has been accused of seizing properties and allocating them to his political cronies.
*Rumors of Advisers Urging Tinubu to Distance Himself from Wike*
There are rumors that top advisers to President Bola Tinubu have begun advising him to distance himself from Wike to avoid a political backlash. This comes as Wike’s influence appears to be waning, with his feud with the APC intensifying.
*FCT’s Pressing Issues*
- Waste Management: Poor sanitation and waste collection, with a recent budget allocation of N111.9 million for emergency waste clearance.
- Security Concerns: Abuja’s facing a surge in kidnappings and armed robberies, with bandits targeting residents and demanding ransom.
- Abandoned Projects: Slow pace of ongoing projects.
- Financial Impropriety: Allegations of financial mismanagement, including the purchase of a billion-naira home in Florida, USA.
- Insecurity: Rising insecurity in the FCT, with frequent attacks on communities and businesses.
- Poor Infrastructure:Â Deteriorating infrastructure, including roads and public facilities.
*Wike’s Response:*
- He’s blamed “saboteurs” for the security issues and vowed to crush criminal networks.
- He’s urged residents to report suspicious activities and promised tougher security measures.
- He’s also warned waste contractors to improve services or face contract revocation.
