Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has pointed fingers at fellow politicians, accusing them of deliberately sabotaging security initiatives in Abuja.
The minister alleged that certain political figures are orchestrating alarms and propagating misinformation to create unnecessary tension, ultimately undermining the government’s efforts to address rising security concerns in the nation’s capital.
Wike levied this accusation in a widely circulated video that has gained traction across various social media platforms.
Amid a surge in public concern over the recent spike in kidnappings and killings in Abuja and its surroundings, Wike, also asserted that eliminating crime entirely in Nigeria’s capital or any region is an unattainable goal.
In response to the growing public outcry, Wike dismissed the alarms raised over insecurity, attributing them to political motives aimed at undermining President Bola Tinubu’s government.
In a widely circulated video, he stated, “The so-called alarm is political. Some politicians are bent on making sure the government does not survive, and they do it by creating unnecessary tension, by carrying propaganda.”
Wike accused certain individuals of blackmailing him over his frequent visits to his home state, Rivers, in South-South Nigeria.
He challenged the notion that crime only occurs in his absence, labeling such claims as political propaganda and blackmail.
Addressing the installation of CCTV in the FCT, Wike expressed skepticism about its effectiveness, citing potential vandalism by locals.
He emphasized the challenges of securing public infrastructure, such as solar lights, due to rampant vandalism.
In response to the theft of manhole covers during construction, Wike questioned the feasibility of deploying sufficient security personnel to monitor such incidents. He highlighted the complexity of the situation, raising doubts about the reliability of vigilante groups.
Wike acknowledged that the government cannot address every issue simultaneously and emphasized the bureaucratic challenges in enacting new laws or regulations to tackle emerging problems.
Despite acknowledging the limitations, he urged the public to recognize the positive changes achieved during his tenure and refrain from selective criticism.
As security concerns persist, the Minister stressed the need for a comprehensive and realistic approach to address the multifaceted challenges faced by the FCT.
Wike reiterated that achieving zero crime is a global challenge and urged a more balanced perspective on the government’s efforts in enhancing security and infrastructure in Abuja.
