Wike pledges to safeguard lives and property in FCT

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged to safeguard lives and property amidst prevailing security challenges affecting communities in the nation’s capital.

During an emergency security meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, Mr Wike reassured residents and urged them not to succumb to panic.

He emphasized that the emergency security meeting constituted a crucial step in the Administration’s dedicated efforts to address the issues, with a specific focus on Bwari satellite town and surrounding areas.

He underscored the FCT Administration’s responsibility for ensuring the safety of the capital, which serves as the home for all Nigerians, emphasizing their committed support to various security agencies in addressing the current challenges.

Mr Wike pleaded with the members of the press to acknowledge the effort of the government, instead of peddling narratives that helped the effort of the government. 

“All of us are aware of the security situation in the Federal Capital Territory, particularly Bwari and some other areas that have witnessed security challenges,” he noted. 

“Yes, I’m aware that sometimes too, the press overblow what is happening, but all of us are concerned about the Federal Capital Territory that houses virtually every Nigerian and we owe a duty to make sure that this place is safe.”

“We will do all we can and we assure Nigerians who reside here that there is no need for panic. We are taking every step to make sure that those challenges are things that we must have to resolve.”

“So, this meeting is practically to look into such challenges and see how we will be able to resolve the problems and that’s why we invited all the council chairmen because they also have a responsibility in their various Area Councils. So, we will put our heads together and come up with solutions,” he said. 

Wike warns Council Chairman to be diligent

The minister highlighted that Area Council Chairmen also must ensure safety in their various domains, which also necessitates that they must live up to their responsibilities.

He said he has reports about Area Council Chairmen who abdicate their responsibilities and travel, warning that such would not be accepted.

He decried the recent strike by the Nigerian Union of Teachers, which is such an example of the Council Chairmen needing to function better since the primary schools are under their purview.

“This time around, we will not be happy when area Council Chairmen will abdicate their responsibilities and travel out. We have gotten reports that Council Chairmen travel anytime and if anything happens, of course, they will not call anybody’s name. They will call the FCT Minister.”

“Recently, the NUT has embarked on a strike. It is not because of our fault. It is the Area Council. Primary schools are under the purview of the Area Councils. But again, it will look as if the Ministers are doing nothing. But that is not our responsibility. However, we cannot fold our hands. We have invited them to a meeting this afternoon to see how we can also resolve the problem.”

“So, the Council Chairmen should know you must live up to your responsibilities. It’s not everything that happens, they will say it’s the Ministers that are not taking steps,” he added. 

The security meeting, attended by FCT Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Shehu Hadi Ahmed, and heads of security agencies, underscored a collaborative effort to ensure FCT’s safety.