……Blames demolition of shanties and poor people’s home for rising insecurity in the FCT
……Says when the poor no longer have what to eat, they will eat the rich
Human Rights Activist and Convener of Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju has berated the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike over rising insecurity, kidnapping, maiming and killings in Abuja.
Adeyanju in a press statement made available to newsmen said, he is deeply alarmed and outraged by the rampant cases of kidnappings and killings that have plagued the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja in recent months.
The statement partly read, “The safety and security of citizens should be of utmost priority for any responsible government, yet the FCT Minister, Nyesome Wike, bears a significant responsibility for the escalating insecurity in the capital city.
“It is disheartening to witness the nonchalant attitude displayed by the FCT Minister towards the security challenges faced by the residents of Abuja. Instead of taking responsibility as the Chief Executive Officer of the FCT, he was busy blaming Council Chairmen for traveling out of their Area Council just yesterday when he spent days partying and politicking in Rivers State himself. He has refused to actively address the pressing issues facing the FCT. He seems to be more preoccupied with politicking and engaging in power struggles in his home state of Rivers. This neglect of duty has left the people of Abuja vulnerable and exposed to the nefarious activities of criminals.”
Adeyanju further stated that the abrupt displacement of individuals, including scavengers and the destruction of shanties where disadvantaged people earned their livelihoods without relocating them has contributed to the current state of insecurity in the FCT.
“Rather than adequately relocating these individuals and providing them with alternative means of sustenance, the Minister has callously sent them to the streets, exacerbating the desperation and criminal activities in the city,” he said.
The activist stressed that, It is a distressing reality that the poor, who have been neglected and marginalised, have resorted to criminal acts such as kidnapping in their pursuit of survival.
Adeyanju added, “The Minister’s negligence and failure to address their needs and concerns have inadvertently created a vicious cycle of crime and victimization. It is important to note that, when the poor no longer have what to eat, they will eat the rich.
“I call the President to intervene and hold Minister Nyesome Wike accountable for the security challenges plaguing the FCT. It is imperative that the Minister prioritizes the safety and well-being of the people rather than engaging in personal political battles. The President must address the security situation in Abuja decisively and ensure that necessary measures are taken to safeguard the lives and property of its inhabitants.”
Adeyanju also urged the security agencies to enhance their intelligence-gathering capabilities and redouble their efforts to make the city safe for all residents to live in and pursue their dreams and aspirations. That, the protection of citizens should be their primary objective, and they must spare no effort in combating the criminal elements responsible for the wave of kidnappings and killings.
“If the concerns raised in this statement are not urgently addressed, we, at concerned Nigerians, will not hesitate to take to the streets in peaceful protests to demand justice and security for all. The lives of innocent citizens are at stake, and we will not allow their suffering to go unnoticed or unaddressed.”
“It is time for the FCT Minister to fulfill his duty and for the security agencies to demonstrate their commitment to protecting the lives and dignity of the people. The residents of Abuja deserve nothing less than a safe and secure environment in which to live, work, and thrive,” he added.
