By Ohuakanwa Chibuzo
Southern leaders have called on President Bola Tinubu to disregard political adversaries who are allegedly attempting to hinder the efforts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, members of the Citizens Network for Peace and Development in Nigeria (CNPDN) praised President Tinubu’s appointment of Wike, deeming it one of the administration’s most significant decisions. According to Chief Raphael Okorie, National Coordinator of the Southern movement, Nyesom Wike has accomplished more in nine months than some former ministers achieved in eight years.
“Wike has done a lot in just nine months. We know that there are people who want to distract him. But he has ignored them. He’s not even bothered about the crisis in Rivers State. He’s busy with developing Abuja,” Okorie stated.
He urged Nigerians to remain patient with President Tinubu as he works to improve the economy, restore security, and provide relief to all citizens. Okorie emphasized that Wike’s contributions have led to substantial transformations in Abuja, particularly in infrastructure and safety.
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“We want to assure him that we’re with him and we stand behind him to succeed as Minister. We urge him to ignore those trying to distract him from replicating the wonders he performed in Rivers State in FCT,” he added.
Okorie also highlighted the broader achievements of the Tinubu administration, noting the progress in infrastructure development and economic stabilization. He mentioned that the administration has worked to stabilize the value of the naira and attract foreign direct investment by implementing consistent policies and supporting the private sector.
“Confidence in our economy that hit its highest under the Jonathan administration was completely eroded and foreign direct investments were near zero. Today we have attained relative and realistic stability in the management of the naira, and FDI is growing by the day,” he said.
The leaders praised Wike’s performance, particularly in addressing security issues within the FCT. “Before the appointment of Wike as FCT Minister, insecurity was a major problem. In less than six months, he addressed the issue head-on. Today, the entire territory is relatively safe,” Okorie noted, expressing optimism about the future safety of the FCT under Wike’s leadership.
The CNPDN leaders concluded by urging President Tinubu to continue supporting Wike and calling on FCT residents to unite in backing the minister’s efforts to fulfill the Renewed Hope Agenda.