VANGUARD
-Blames demolition of shanties and poor people’s homes for raising insecurity in the FCT.
Human Rights Activist and Convener of Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju has berated the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mr. Nyesome Wike over rising insecurity, kidnapping, maiming, and killings in Abuja.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene, and hold Wike accountable for the security challenges plaguing the FCT.
Adeyanju in a press statement made available to newsmen said he is deeply alarmed and outraged by the rampant cases of kidnappings and killings that have plagued the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja in recent months.
“The safety and security of citizens should be of utmost priority for any responsible government, yet the FCT Minister, Nyesome Wike, bears a significant responsibility for the escalating insecurity in the capital city.”
“It is disheartening to witness the attitude displayed by the FCT Minister towards the security challenges faced by the residents of Abuja. Instead of taking responsibility as the Chief Executive Officer of the FCT, he was busy blaming Council Chairmen for traveling out of their Area Council just yesterday when he spent days partying and politicking in Rivers State himself. He has refused to actively address the pressing issues facing the FCT. He seems to be more preoccupied with politicking and engaging in power struggles in his home state of Rivers. This neglect of duty has left the people of Abuja vulnerable and exposed to the nefarious activities of criminals.”
Adeyanju further stated that the abrupt displacement of individuals, including scavengers and the destruction of shanties where disadvantaged people earned their livelihoods, has contributed to the current state of insecurity in the FCT.
“Rather than adequately relocating these individuals and providing them with alternative means of sustenance, the Minister has callously sent them to the streets, exacerbating the desperation and criminal activities in the city.”
The activist stressed that It is a distressing reality that the poor, who have been neglected and marginalized, have resorted to criminal acts such as kidnapping in their pursuit of survival.
“The Minister’s negligence and failure to address their needs and concerns have inadvertently created a vicious cycle of crime and victimization. It is important to note that, when the poor no longer have what to eat, they will eat the rich.”
“I call the President to intervene and hold Minister Nyesome Wike accountable for the security challenges plaguing the FCT. It is imperative that the Minister prioritizes the safety and well-being of the people rather than engaging in personal political battles. The President must address the security situation in Abuja decisively and ensure that necessary measures are taken to safeguard the lives and property of its inhabitants.”
