The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has dismissed a protest calling for his resignation, claiming it was staged, but agreeing that rallies are welcome in a democratic context.
Wike, a former Rivers State governor, was appointed FCT minister months after Bola Tinubu was elected president. However, earlier this week, some activists carrying placards demanded his resignation in the National Assembly.
Despite the move, Wike remains deviant, claiming that such demonstrations do not worry him.
“Yesterday, somebody told me some people were carrying placards. Frankly speaking, I did not have time to even that. I was busy. I don’t want to be distracted,” he said at the inauguration of the resurfacing of 49 roads in the Asokoro, Wuse, and Maitama areas of Abuja.
“We want to be focused and deliver on the mandate Mr President has given to us. But one thing you must even understand is that this is democracy.
“So many people are entitled to their opinions. But what is important is that your opinion must be in line with what is good for the people of the FCT. We can’t continue to do the same thing the same way and expect to achieve different results.”
‘They Have Collected Money’
Wike maintained that the protesters were paid.
“So, let nobody bother themselves that they were people who were paid. Yes, they have collected the money and that ended yesterday,” the minister added. “So, nobody should be worried that people are demonstrating.”
He said his administration is committed to ensuring his policies are for the betterment of the generality of FCT residents.
“We have taken decisions to make sure our people are happy,” he said, maintaining that a “few people” cannot benefit at the “detriment of others”. According to him, his administration will make decisions that will improve the lot of the people.
Following the flag-off, the FCT minister promised a facelift of roads in the area.