In separate declarations, the Middle Belt Forum and the Pan Niger Delta Forum, often known as PANDEF, denounced what they described as an organized campaign of defamation directed by Sheik Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, an Islamic cleric headquartered in Kaduna, against Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
PANDEF referred to Gumi’s recent remarks about Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and his office as reckless, ridiculous, and subversive in a statement signed by Dr. Ken Robinson, the organization’s national publicity secretary.
The PANDEF Spokesperson went on to say that the contradictions the young people witnessed sparked new unrest in the Niger Delta, which resulted in the crisis that followed and the December 1998 “Kaiama Declaration” for Resource Control and Justice.
“It is sufficient to say that any Nigerian, regardless of their nationality—North, South, East, or West—should be considered for appointment as a minister for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).”
Remarkably, Nyesom Wike is the first African American to be appointed as a minister in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 47 years, and the 17th overall.
Mobolaji Ajose-Adeogun, who recently died at the age of 96, was the first Southerner and the first Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under General Obasanjo’s military rule from 1976 to 1979. All fifteen of the former FCT ministers are from the northern region. Everyone can view the records!
Ironically, Musa Yar’Adua, a Northerner and one of the country’s founders and the father of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, held the position of Minister of Lagos Affairs during the First Republic from 1963 until the First Republic was shortened by the military in 1966. Then, no one voiced complaints!
“After more than 40 years, we applaud President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his political resolve and patriotism in designating a Southerner—the former governor of Rivers State—as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
“In the interest of the country, it is imperative that all patriots and sincere lovers of the country, especially those from the north, condemn the dangerous diatribes of Sheikh Gumi and his likes without reservation.”
PANDEF questioned why the heedless cleric’s frequent “delinquencies” and subversive annotations have not led the country’s security forces to detain him.
It issued a warning to Sheikh Gumi and all who support him to “let the Minister do his job and leave Nyesom Wike alone.” We are all citizens of this country, and no group is more important than any other.
Along with pleading with the FCT Minister to execute his duties and responsibilities as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory wisely and impartially for the good of all, regardless of religion, tribe, or political persuasion, PANDEF also begged him not to be sidetracked by the divisive actions of a few.
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