The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Wike, has dismissed a recent protest calling for his resignation, labeling it as sponsored, even though he acknowledged the legitimacy of demonstrations in a democratic context.
Despite demands for his resignation from placard-bearing demonstrators at the National Assembly earlier in the week, Wike remains undeterred, asserting that he is unfazed by such protests.
“Yesterday, somebody told me some people were carrying placards. Frankly speaking, I did not have time to even [acknowledge] that. I was busy. I don’t want to be distracted,” he stated during the inauguration of road resurfacing projects in Asokoro, Wuse, and Maitama areas of Abuja.
“We want to be focused and deliver on the mandate Mr President has given to us. But one thing you must even understand is that this is democracy.
“So many people are entitled to their opinions. But what is important is that your opinion must be in line with what is good for the people of the FCT. We can’t continue to do the same thing the same way and expect to achieve different results.”
Wike emphasized the importance of democracy, acknowledging people’s entitlement to their opinions but stressing that these opinions must align with what is beneficial for the people of the FCT.
Regarding the protesters, Wike maintained that they were paid, stating, “So, let nobody bother themselves that they were people who were paid. Yes, they have collected the money, and that ended yesterday. So, nobody should be worried that people are demonstrating.”
He asserted his commitment to policies that benefit the majority of FCT residents and emphasized the administration’s focus on making decisions that improve the lives of the people.
“We have taken decisions to make sure our people are happy,” he said, maintaining that a “few people” cannot benefit at the “detriment of others”. According to him, his administration will make decisions that will improve the lot of the people.
After the flag-off ceremony, Wike pledged a comprehensive upgrade of roads in the area.
Ada Peter
