The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has demanded that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, either reinstate the recently suspended Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Shehu Ahmad Hadi, or provide a clear explanation for his removal. The suspension of Hadi, announced by Wike on November 14, 2024, has sparked widespread public interest, as no formal reason has been given for the decision.
In a statement issued on December 24, 2024, the Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, questioned the legality and fairness of the suspension. Akintola expressed concern over the apparent lack of transparency, which he argued could suggest a violation of due process. “Five weeks after the suspension, Minister Wike has remained silent on the matter, and the public’s curiosity is growing,” said Akintola.
Wike’s announcement of Hadi’s suspension came without any explanation, leaving Nigerians to wonder about the true reasons behind the decision. Wike’s move followed a period of instability in the FCT, including an ongoing reshuffling of key officials in the ministry. In the wake of Hadi’s suspension, Richard Yunana, the FCDA’s Director of Engineering Services, was appointed as the acting executive secretary.
Akintola pointed out that Hadi’s suspension raises questions because the former FCDA head has a strong professional track record. “Engr. Shehu Ahmad Hadi is a seasoned technocrat with an unblemished civil service record, having served as the Commissioner for Works in Gombe State,” he noted. “His suspension seems to lack justification, and the silence that has followed only deepens the mystery surrounding this issue.”
For the MURIC director, the absence of any formal investigation into the suspension is troubling. He emphasized that public servants should not be suspended without a thorough investigation. “It is customary in public service for a suspension to be accompanied by an ongoing inquiry. Moreover, the principle of fair hearing demands that the individual involved is informed of the allegations against them and given an opportunity to respond,” Akintola said.
Criticizing Wike’s approach to governance, Akintola also suggested that the Minister’s silence could reflect a pattern of arbitrary decision-making. “Nigerians are entitled to know the truth,” he added. “This dead silence is dangerous and suggests a disregard for transparency, which is becoming characteristic of the minister’s actions.”
Akintola further questioned whether Wike’s leadership style is becoming increasingly authoritarian. “We wonder if Wike is beginning to see himself as a modern-day Louis XIV, with unchecked powers. His decisions seem increasingly impulsive, such as the demolition of properties with little notice and the removal of key officials only to replace them with individuals from his ethnic group,” he said. Such actions, Akintola argued, paint a troubling picture of governance, one that lacks fairness and objectivity.
The MURIC statement also expressed concerns about Wike’s relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. While acknowledging Wike’s support for the president, Akintola cautioned that some of his actions are counterproductive to the goals of good governance and national unity. “While we appreciate Wike’s support for President Tinubu, it is clear that some of his decisions are reckless and not in line with the principles of good governance,” Akintola observed.
Akintola’s call for an explanation was clear: Wike must provide answers or reinstate Hadi to restore confidence in the governance of the FCT. “Someone like Engr. Shehu Ahmad Hadi, who has worked tirelessly for the emergence of President Tinubu, deserves a better treatment than what he has received,” he concluded.
The suspension of Hadi has ignited a broader conversation about governance in the FCT and the treatment of public officials. Critics argue that the suspension represents a worrying trend of increasing executive overreach, with little regard for due process and the rule of law.
Public reactions to the suspension have been mixed. While some argue that Wike has the authority to make changes within the FCT, others worry that such arbitrary actions undermine the public’s trust in the system. The lack of communication from Wike’s office has only fueled these concerns, with many questioning whether the minister is acting in the best interest of the people he serves.
As the controversy surrounding Hadi’s suspension continues to unfold, MURIC’s call for accountability is likely to add to the pressure on Wike. Nigerians, particularly those within the civil service and the Muslim community, are watching closely to see how the situation is handled.
As the FCT minister remains silent, the question lingers: Will Wike reinstate Hadi, or will he finally provide the reason for his suspension? The next few weeks could reveal much about the future of governance in the Federal Capital Territory.
Contextual and Background Information:
The controversy surrounding Engr. Shehu Ahmad Hadi’s suspension began in November 2024 when Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, announced Hadi’s immediate removal from his position as the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). However, the minister did not provide a reason for the suspension, which raised questions about the decision.
Hadi, a seasoned civil servant, previously served as the Commissioner for Works in Gombe State, where he was well-regarded for his technical expertise and leadership skills. His sudden suspension has led to speculations about the motives behind the decision, with critics pointing to a lack of transparency and due process.
