The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday evening cautioned residents of the Abuja Municipal Area Council to beware of what he described as “emergency human rights activists and democrats,” saying some politicians only identify with the people when it suits their ambitions.
Wike gave the warning during a thank-you visit to AMAC following the February 21 FCT Area Council elections, addressing party leaders, council officials, youths, and women.
“Be careful of emergency human rights activists. Be careful of emergency democrats,” he said, noting that some individuals only identify with the people when they need something and disappear once their objectives have been achieved.
He recalled an earlier town hall meeting convened at the directive of President Bola Tinubu in the FCT, where residents were invited to nominate projects that would directly impact their communities.
“One of the projects that this area nominated was the Saburi road. To the glory of God, that road has been commissioned. Is it not?” he asked the cheering crowd.
The minister said the completion of the road demonstrated his administration’s commitment to fulfilling promises made to residents. He urged the people not to allow a return to what he termed deceptive politics.
Wike stressed that democracy requires mutual commitment between leaders and the electorate, adding that agreements reached with communities must be honoured.
He also assured youths and community leaders that issues surrounding land documentation would receive attention.
“I know how land is, and I will do everything possible to see that your communities have Certificates of Occupancy,” he said.
On infrastructure, Wike cited the Apo-Karshi road project, which he said was awarded in 2010 but abandoned for years.
“That road has been awarded since 2010. But I said before the end of this year, we will finish that road,” he promised.
The minister maintained that President Tinubu expects FCT officials to remain accessible to grassroots communities and responsive to their needs.
“When you are happy, we are happy. When you are not happy, we cannot be happy. Because we are here for you,” Wike said.
He called for a shift in the political culture of the capital, urging residents to elect representatives who understand their challenges and remain accountable beyond election periods.
In the February 21 elections, the All Progressives Congress won five of the six chairmanship seats across the Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory.
The party secured victories in Abuja Municipal Area Council, Abaji, Bwari, Kwali, and Kuje, while the Peoples Democratic Party won the chairmanship seat in Gwagwalada.
Leave a comment