- Says when the poor no longer have what to eat, they will eat the rich
Rights activist and convener of Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju has declared that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike must bear a significant responsibility for the escalating insecurity in the nation’s capital.
Adeyanju stressed that the safety and security of citizens should be of utmost priority for any responsible government, saying that unfortunately, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has only displayed a nonchalant attitude towards the security challenges faced by the residents of Abuja.
He particularly noted that instead of taking responsibility as the Chief Executive Officer of the FCT, Wike was busy blaming Council Chairmen for traveling out of their Area Councils, stressing that the FCT Minister spent days partying and politicking in Rivers State himself.
In the words of Adeyanju; “Wike has refused to actively address the pressing issues facing the FCT. He seems to be more preoccupied with politicking and engaging in power struggles in his home state of Rivers. This neglect of duty has left the people of Abuja vulnerable and exposed to the nefarious activities of criminals.”
The activist specifically castigated Wike over the rising insecurity, kidnapping, maiming, and killings in the nation’s capital.
These were contained in a press statement on Friday, January 19, 2024, in which he said that he was deeply alarmed and outraged by the rampant cases of kidnappings and killings that had plagued the FCT in recent months.
Adeyanju noted that the abrupt displacement of individuals, including scavengers, and the destruction of shanties where disadvantaged people earned their livelihoods, has contributed to the current state of insecurity in the Territory.
According to him; “Rather than adequately relocating these individuals and providing them with alternative means of sustenance, the Minister has callously sent them to the streets, exacerbating the desperation and criminal activities in the city.
“The FCT Minister’s negligence and failure to address their needs and concerns have inadvertently created a vicious cycle of crime and victimization. It is important to note that, when the poor no longer have what to eat, they will eat the rich.
Adeyanju said that it was a distressing reality that the poor, who had been neglected and marginalized, had resorted to criminal acts such as kidnapping in their pursuit of survival.
He therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and hold Minister Nyesome Wike accountable for the security challenges plaguing the FCT.
The activist further said; “It is imperative that the Minister prioritizes the safety and well-being of the people rather than engaging in personal political battles.
“The President must address the security situation in Abuja decisively and ensure that necessary measures are taken to safeguard the lives and property of its inhabitants”.
Adeyanju equally tasked security agencies to enhance their intelligence-gathering capabilities and redouble their efforts to make the city safe for all residents to live in and pursue their dreams and aspirations, adding that the protection of citizens should be their primary objective.
He also said that security agencies must spare no effort in combating the criminal elements responsible for the wave of kidnappings and killings.
In his words; “If the concerns raised in this statement are not urgently addressed, we, at Concerned Nigerians, will not hesitate to take to the streets in peaceful protests to demand justice and security for all.
“The lives of innocent citizens are at stake, and we will not allow their suffering to go unnoticed or unaddressed. It is time for the FCT Minister to fulfill his duty and for the security agencies to demonstrate their commitment to protecting the lives and dignity of the people.”
“The residents of Abuja deserve nothing less than a safe and secure environment in which to live, work, and thrive,” he stressed.
