Northern Group Condemns Verbal Attack on Wike By Some Clerics

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The Northern caucus of the Democratic Defence Initiatve has condemned what it described as the unwarranted verbal attack by some clerics on the person of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

Making the condemnation during a press conference held in Bauchi yesterday, Abdulrasheed Fate, Representative, Northern Caucus of the Group called on Nigerians to disregard any call against the, “FCT Minister, who is busy uniting both religions for a better Nigeria.”

He added: “We are a secular nation and as such, every religion or nation is free to hold a stake, as far as our peace and security are not jeopardised.

“The 14-minute video, cast aspersions on both Muslims and Christians who campaigned and voted for the Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 election that brought in the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.”

The group lamented that, “What’s most worrisome is the divisive comment on the security of the nation,” noting that the comment that it was dangerous to leave national security in the hands of the southerners was uncalled for in a democratic republic like Nigeria.

According to the Group, “This is the time for each and every Nigerian to embrace one another, to overcome this difficult times. We should shun Rumour mongering, as it is capable of setting our dear county ablaze.

“Just recently, a section of unpatriotic set of people went on social media, alleging that the FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike has concluded plans to demolish part of the Abuja Central Mosque, which was later confirmed by same Abuja Central Mosque Authority, that it was false. This is very unfortunate and highly condemnable.”

He added: “His Excellency Barr Wike was Governor of a state known for development and peace. This prompted the President to call him to replicate the same feat in the FCT. He contained cultism, lawlessness and brigandage successfully in Rivers State. His records are well documented.

“It is also on record that, Nigeria and Israel have a diplomatic relationship as well as economic partnership which will benefit Nigeria tremendously.

“Such dangerous sermons would only stir unnecessary hatred and may delegate into something more dangerous if not well managed.”

The Group therefore “join millions of well-meaning Nigerians in condemning the comment.”

They emphasised that, “We are a secular nation and as such, every religion or nation is free to hold a stake, as far as our peace and security are not jeopardized.

“These recent utterances by some of our northern religious elites on the status of the Minister of FCT, that it should belong to only one Faith and calling for the removal of the Minister, is totally uncalled for.

“Nigeria is a democratic republic with each Nigerian having equal right as the other, as such the seat of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory belongs to any qualified Nigerian, irrespective of tribe or religion as the appointing order (President) may deem fit to appoint”.

“We therefore, strongly condemn these unpatriotic utterances which is capable of fanning flames of disunity among the peace loving Nigerians.

“Nigeria is going through a healing process under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a Muslim. It is important that Muslim clerics should support his administration to ensure that Justice and good governance is served on the Nigerian populace, which is one of the tenets of Islam.”

He added: “May we use this opportunity to call on our dear Nigerians to disregard any call against the FCT Minister, who is busy uniting both religions for a better Nigeria.

“We must not allow few people to distract a working government, that majority of Nigerians voted for.”