Rivers Crisis: Wike accused of neglecting Abuja for political vendettas

The Nigeria Democratic Front (NDF) has criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for allegedly prioritizing personal political battles over the governance of Abuja.

In a statement signed by the group’s spokesman, Engr. Ikenna Ellis Ezenekwe, NDF accused Wike of neglecting his core responsibilities amid growing insecurity and educational challenges in the FCT.

The group expressed concerns about rising kidnapping incidents and a 35% increase in the number of out-of-school children within the past two years. They attributed these issues to Wike’s lack of focus on critical developmental matters affecting the capital.

NDF further criticized Wike for diverting attention toward political disputes in Rivers State, where he has allegedly engaged in confrontations with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the state government.

The statement accused the minister of using his office for personal political gains, including interfering with local governance in Rivers State, attempting to impeach the sitting governor, halting federal allocations to Local Government Areas, and blocking local government elections.

NDF described these actions as divisive politics that could destabilize PDP-controlled states and undermine the credibility of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration.

The group urged the minister to shift his focus to pressing issues affecting Abuja residents, stressing that Nigerians are weary of political distractions, stressing that Wike should either concentrate on his duties or step aside to prevent further instability.

The statement read, “The (nation’s) capital is facing critical challenges that require a steady, committed leader.

“It is unbecoming of a Federal Minister to prioritize his personal political vendettas over public duty or use federal resources to fuel personal and political conflicts in Rivers State rather than addressing the pressing issues affecting Abuja’s residents.

“These actions are symptomatic of a broader intent to politically weaponize his office, and such moves threaten to derail governance and inflame existing regional tensions.

Minister to stop the mischief and face his front. The people of Nigeria do not need this extra distraction. The socio-political climate is already tense enough, and actions that disregard pressing public welfare in favour of personal ambitions serve only to deepen instability.

“Nigerians are weary of political theatrics; the FCT deserves a leader focused on solutions, not distractions. It’s time to face your duties, Wike — or you step aside.”