The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his recent verbal attacks on leaders of the newly formed coalition of opposition parties.
In a statement issued by Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, the spokesman of the coalition movement, the ADC said Wike is losing sleep because of the strong and credible individuals behind the coalition. The party described Wike’s outburst as a sign of fear, not strength.
“We believe Minister Wike could only descend to that level because of his mortal fear of the threat that the successful unveiling of the coalition of opposition political parties constitutes to the government he serves,” the statement read.
The party also accused Wike of failing in his duties as FCT Minister, especially in the area of workers’ welfare and basic education. It said primary school teachers have been on strike for months due to unpaid salaries, while Wike continues to commission expensive projects.
“If Minister Wike had paid the salaries of primary school teachers and treated FCT workers with respect, he would have had no need to be afraid of the coalition,” the statement said.
The ADC added that their grievances stem from the hardship and growing insecurity facing Nigerians, especially in the FCT, and not from any personal ambition.
“We are aggrieved to see children out of school because their teachers are not paid. We are aggrieved to watch insecurity rise in the FCT. We are aggrieved that Minister Wike has allowed himself to be used to weaken the PDP,” it said.
The party insisted that no amount of attacks or insults from Wike will stop the coalition, which it says represents the will of the Nigerian people.
“The coalition movement belongs to Nigerians who were promised renewed hope but got renewed hopelessness. Wike’s attacks can’t stop it,” the statement concluded.
