ABUJA/Nigeria: Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Friday strongly rejected calls for the resignation of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, describing the agitation as foolish, childish and completely irrational.
Speaking under the banner of the All Abuja Residents Forum (AARF), the residents said the calls, allegedly coming from some leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress, were misguided and driven by ulterior motives rather than facts on ground.
Addressing journalists during a protest in Abuja, AARF President, Alhaji Tanko Abubakar, said the group was alarmed by what he described as attempts to mislead the public, noting that those pushing for Wike’s resignation were among the “most pronounced foes” of President Bola Tinubu.
The residents praised Wike’s performance in office, describing it as outstanding and impactful. According to them, his contributions to the development of the FCT, Rivers State and Nigeria at large are “difficult to quantify,” given the scale and depth of reforms he has pursued.
They applauded the minister for driving what they termed deep and profound changes in the nation’s capital, while placing premium on service delivery, integrity and administrative efficiency.
The group also rebuked APC chieftains and pressure groups for what it described as deliberate attempts to confuse the public over political developments in Rivers State, insisting that such issues should not be dragged into the administration of the FCT.
They described recent comments credited to the APC National Secretary as distasteful and provocative, warning that such statements risk overheating the polity.
According to the residents, Wike has consistently demonstrated a strong sense of duty, responsibility and commitment to humanity, urging him not to allow what they called the negative attitudes of a few individuals to distract or dampen his resolve.
“Since his appointment, Nyesom Wike has been alive to his responsibilities. He has worked assiduously to transform the nation’s capital,” the group said.
They specifically commended the minister for confronting long-standing challenges in the FCT, stimulating new ideas and visions for development, and handling complex problems with what they described as skill, courage and efficiency.
“Chief Nyesom Wike is an honest and highly effective leader who has built a reputation anchored on integrity over the years,” the residents added, stressing that he deserves commendation for promoting development in the Federal Capital Territory and contributing to national stability.
