Over 10,000 indigenes of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and civil society groups marched on the National Assembly on Wednesday, calling for the resignation of the current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The Network of Civil Societies for Economic Sustainability organized the protest, which highlighted Wike’s claimed incompetence and lack of vision for the capital city as the key reasons for their demand.
The gathering, billed as the largest in FCT protest history, carried posters and banners expressing their displeasure with Wike’s leadership.
Adamu Kabir Matazu, the group’s convener, described the former Rivers State governor as cruel, indecorous, uncouth, greedy, and selfish in his address to the audience.
Matazu expressed their concerns regarding the future of the FCT under Wike’s administration, alleging that his actions had not only undercut President Tinubu’s agenda but also questioned the federal government’s credibility.
“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 told the crowd.
The convener accused Wike of being a difficult person for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government and urged the Federal Government to remove him from office.
Protesters were outraged by Wike’s alleged land grabs, cronyism, and high-handedness in land policies, which they claimed smelled of corruption.
The spat between Wike and Rivers State’s governor was mentioned as an example of the minister’s engagement in dirty politics.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was urged by the Network of Civil Society for Economic Sustainability to take decisive action against Wike.
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.”
The Network of Civil Societies for Economic Sustainability vowed to continue advocating for accountable and responsible governance, emphasising the need for leaders who prioritise public interest over personal agendas.