ABUJA – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday forcefully dismissed claims that Nigeria’s democracy is in peril, labeling recent allegations by a factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tanimu Turaki, as “reckless political indulgence” designed to stoke national tension.
Wike issued the rebuttal during a courtesy visit by the board and management of the newly inaugurated South-South Development Commission (SSDC) at his office in Abuja.
The Minister took aim at Turaki’s televised remarks, which alleged a genocide against Christians in Nigeria and suggested the country’s democracy required foreign intervention to survive. Wike condemned such statements as a “national security threat” that misrepresents the nation to the international community.
“Look at what someone said yesterday. You have internal crises in your own party, yet you go on national television claiming there is genocide against Christians,” Wike stated. “Essentially, you are telling the world that this government is committing genocide… Some are even calling Trump to ‘save their democracy’. How can you call an outsider to save you when you can’t obey a simple court order?”
He asserted that the nation’s democratic institutions remain stable, arguing that the real danger lies in political actors who deliberately peddle incendiary claims. “You cannot keep your house in order and then blame others for your failures. Impunity cannot continue,” he added.
Shifting focus to the SSDC, Wike urged its leadership to shun political distractions and learn from the failures of past regional interventionist agencies, which he said collapsed due to “corruption, divided loyalties, and poor leadership.”
He cautioned the commission against repeating the mistakes of agencies like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDC), where, he recalled, contractors “rushed in from Abuja with portfolios” while billions of naira in funding yielded minimal developmental impact.
“Don’t go and do streets that lead only to one person’s house. Don’t duplicate projects states or local governments are already doing,” Wike advised. “Go to the communities, ask them what their immediate needs are. Support the President fully. Don’t divide your loyalty. Your loyalty is to the President who appointed you.”
The FCT Minister, who acknowledged facing sustained political attacks since assuming office, encouraged the board to maintain integrity. “I am here as Minister because I knew I could do the work. And yes, you will step on toes. But I’m not afraid as long as I’m doing the right thing,” he said.
He concluded with a stern financial warning to the new team: “Today, you are united because there’s no project and no money yet. But the moment ₦50 billion drops and someone spends it without approval, fights will start. Don’t let that be your legacy.”
In her response, the SSDC Managing Director, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, assured the Minister of the commission’s commitment to its mandate. “On behalf of the good people of the South-South… be assured that we are fully committed to delivering on our mandate to drive regional development and economic growth,” she said.
