A coalition of over 10,000 indigenes of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and civil society groups on Wednesday converged on the National Assembly on Wednesday, demanding for the resignation of FCT minister Nyesom Wike.
The protest, organized by the Network of Civil Societies for Economic Sustainability, cited Wike’s alleged incompetence and lack of vision for the capital city as the primary reasons for their demand. The crowd, described as the largest in the history of FCT protests, carried placards and banners expressing their dissatisfaction with Wike’s leadership.
Addressing the gathering, the group’s convener, Adamu Kabir Matazu, characterised the former Rivers State governor as callous, indecorous, uncouth, greedy, and selfish. Matazu stated their concerns about the direction of the FCT under Wike’s administration, claiming that his actions have not only undermined President Tinubu’s agenda but also cast doubt on the credibility of the federal government.
“We are here today to demand the immediate resignation or sack of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the FCT due to his deficiency in character required for his office and in a government that promises to renew the hope of Nigerians,” he stated. The convener accused Wike of being a difficult person for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and urged the Federal Government to remove him from office.
The protesters expressed dissatisfaction with Wike’s alleged land grabbing, cronyism, and high-handedness in land policies, which they claim reek of corruption. The clash between Wike and the governor of Rivers State was cited as an example of the minister’s involvement in dirty politics. Matazu stated: “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.”
