The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed how rights activist Deji Adeyanju approached him requesting to become the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Wike disclosed that he declined Adeyanju’s plea, which he believes led to Adeyanju’s newfound role as an activist targeting the FCT Administration.
He shared these insights during a live media chat in Abuja on Wednesday evening. He explained that Adeyanju, having become jobless after his request was rejected, has resorted to attacking the FCT Administration at every opportunity.
The minister’s comments follow a series of public criticisms from Adeyanju, who recently accused Wike of focusing developmental efforts primarily on the city centre. The FCT Administration has consistently denied these claims, supported by video and photographic evidence.
Furthermore, Adeyanju led a protest against Wike last week regarding the demolition of Ruga, a settlement along the Metro line corridor in Wuye District. This intensified the public discourse surrounding the ongoing efforts to clear unauthorised structures in the area.
“I encountered a young man named Adeyanju, who hails from Kogi State. He came to me expressing his desire to become the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, and I told him ‘No’.
“I have no regrets about that decision. Since then, he has seemingly transitioned into a civil society activist. He has no job, which appears to be the reason for his shift towards activism,” he said.
Wike reaffirmed his commitment to demolishing shanties and illegal structures within the FCT, insisting that the government will not be intimidated by a handful of individuals intent on maintaining the status quo.
“We will proceed with the demolitions. The government will not be blackmailed,” he said.
On Sunday, Wike convened an emergency security council meeting and, accompanied by security chiefs and journalists, visited the Ruga community in Wuye District, where previous clearance operations had occurred.
Reports had indicated that a small group of settlers had protested alongside a legal representative. Still, Abba Garu, the community spokesman, admitted that they were illegal settlers and noted that prior administrations had carried out at least 22 demolitions in the area, with squatters returning each time.
While Garu acknowledged the community’s diversity, describing it as a “mini-Nigeria” due to its representation of various tribes, he pleaded with the FCT administration for compassion in addressing their situation.
In response, the minister encouraged Garu to select four other community members to engage with officials from the administration to collaborate on a humane solution moving forward.
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