Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) has reaffirmed its unwavering support for former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, as Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister-designate.
The group condemned the recent statements by Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi in a trending video and the Facebook post of one Sanusi Garko II, describing Wike as a hater of Northern Nigeria and an infidel, respectively.
The assembly in a statement signed by its speaker Mohammed Salihu Danlami described their respective utterances as disheartening, noting that some individuals still engage in hate speech and divisive rhetoric, seeking to sow seeds of discord among Nigerians.
He said, the AYA firmly upholds the principle that Nigeria belongs to all its citizens, regardless of religious, ethnic, or political affiliations, and believes strongly that unity and cooperation among all regions are crucial to our nation’s progress and development.
The youth group averred that former governor Wike is a dedicated public servant and has demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities in his role as governor of Rivers State, adding that his commitment to good governance and the progress of his state is commendable.
“We express our full support for his appointment as the FCT Minister and assure him of our unwavering support in this new role.
“It is on record that Mr. Wike on behalf of Rivers State donated N500 million to victims of the Sokoto State Central Market fire incident. Similarly, a donation of N200 million was made to victims of banditry in Kaduna State. In a like manner, he donated N200 million to Benue IDPs and N400 million Naira to victims of the Katsina-Ala and High-Level markets incident, just to mention but a few kindnesses of the former governor towards the North. Wike is one of us, he deserves all our support. One million of the likes of Sanusi Garko can’t set us against such a kindhearted man.
“We understand the frustration of Sheikh Gumi towards Nyesom Wike. The Sheikh was visibly present in the campaign train of Atiku Abubakar, seeing that Mr. Wike stood firmly on the Asaba declaration wherein all southern governors agreed to work on a power shift, which ultimately, handed power to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Kashim Shetima as President and Vice President respectively.
“This will continue to disturb Atiku’s campaign team on various altars parading themselves as men of God. It only takes a patriotic Nigeria to jettison the campaign along ethnic and religious lines and support the novel Muslim/Muslim for the sake of national cohesion. It is pertinent for us to ask Sheikh Gumi and his co-travelers when Wike was making those huge donations to traders in the seat of the caliphate and even Kaduna where Gumi preached his hate-filled sermon, where were other Arewa elites who once held the position of the FCT Minister? Wike can be accused of anything, but certainly not a religious bigot or hater of Islam,” the group stressed.
Accordingly, the group said, “Nigerians and most importantly, northerners who have suffered in the hands of bandits know those that have been using their platforms to aid and abet bandits. They know whose associate is still being held by the DSS over the role he played in the Kaduna-Abuja train attack. If only the investigation can be hastened, somebody can’t be free to continue promoting hate and negatively radicalising younger generations, instead of admonishing them to be nationalist.”
The group further emphasised that while freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it comes with great responsibility and called on all Nigerians to exercise this right responsibly and refrain from making inflammatory statements that can fuel discord and mistrust among fellow citizens adding that Nigerians must all strive to foster unity, understanding, and constructive dialogue, as this is the foundation on which a strong and prosperous nation is built.
Furthermore, the group urged the relevant security agencies to remain vigilant and closely monitor individuals who engage in hate speech or any form of incitement, stressing that maintaining peace and security is paramount to the progress and stability of Nigeria, and that Nigerians must all play their part in fostering a harmonious society.
“The Arewa Youth Assembly remains committed to promoting peace, understanding, and cooperation among all Nigerians. We call on our fellow citizens to embrace these values and work together for the betterment of our beloved nation,” the group stated.
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