Northern group berates clerics for verbal attack on FCT Minister, Wike, says FCT belongs to all Nigerians, not section, religion  

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By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi 

A Northern Group known as ‘Democratic Defence Initiative’ has declared that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) does not belong to any section of the country nor a particular religious group but every Nigerian. 

The group therefore berated and condemned in the strongest term, what it described as “unwarranted verbal attack by some Clerics, on the person of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.” 

The Northern caucus of the Democratic Defence Initiative, after a meeting with the National Executive Council of the organisation, further declared that the attack was uncalled for a divisive motive. 

While addressing journalists on Monday at the NUJ Press Center, Representative, Northern Caucus of the group, Abdulrasheed Fateh, stated that, “The 14 minute video, cast aspersions on both Muslims and Christians who campaigned and voted for the Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 Elections that brought in the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.”

He stressed that, “What’s most worrisome is the divisive comment on the security of the Nation. He stated that ‘It is dangerous to leave national security in the hands of the Southerners. This is uncalled for, in Democratic Republic like Nigeria.

“His Excellency, Barr Wike was Governor of a State known for development and peace. This prompted the President to call him to replicate the same feat in the FCT. He contained cultism, lawlessness and brigandage successfully in Rivers State. His records are well documented,” he added. 

Fateh added that,”It is also on record that, Nigeria and Israel have a diplomatic relationship as well as economic partnership which will benefit Nigeria tremendously.”

He then stressed that, “Such dangerous sermons would only stir unnecessary hatred and may delegate into something more dangerous if not well managed. We therefore, join millions of well meaning Nigerians in condemning that comment.” 

He added that, “We are a secular nation and as such, every religion or nation is free to hold a stake, as far as our peace and security are not jeopardised.” 

According to him, “This recent utterances by some of our Northern Religious elites on the status of the Minister of FCT, that it should belong to only one Faith and calling for the removal of the Minister, is totally uncalled for.” 

He stressed that, “Nigeria is a democratic republic with each Nigerian having equal right as the other, as such the seat of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory belongs to any qualified Nigerian, irrespective of tribe or religion as the appointing order (President) may deem fit to appoint.”

The group therefore,”strongly condemned this unpatriotic utterances which is capable of fanning flames of disunity among the peace loving Nigerians.

“Nigeria is going through a healing process under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a Muslim. It is important that Muslim clerics should support his administration to ensure that Justice and good governance is served on the Nigerian populace, which is one of the tenents of Islam,” he added.

Fateh stressed that,”This is the time for each and every Nigerian to embrace one another, to overcome this difficult times. We should shun Rumour mongering, as it is capable of setting our dear county ablaze.” 

According to him, “Just recently, a section of unpatriotic set of people went on social media, alleging that the FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike has concluded plans to demolish part of the Abuja Central Mosque, which was later confirmed by same Abuja Central Mosque Authority, that it was false. This is very unfortunate and highly condemnable.”

He then stated that, “The Minister of FCT, Barr Wike is tirelessly doing his best to reposition the Federal Capital city with a benefitting status that we will all be proud of. We should therefore, encourage them to continue with the good works, which at the end will benefit all Nigerians.

“Finally. at this juncture, may we use this opportunity to call on our dear Nigerians  to disregard any call against the FCT Minister, who is busy uniting both religions for a better Nigeria. We must not allow few people to distract a working Government, that majority of Nigerians voted for,” he added.

He said “Already, various reforms are in progress to give Nigerians the best, let’s unite therefore, to protect this God given mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and pray God to unite us the more. Nigeria belongs to all of us and her unity should not be traded for any personal reason, whatsoever.”