By
Usman Adamu Muhammed
The current state of affairs in Abuja under the leadership of Hon. Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike is deeply troubling and raises serious concerns about the rule of law and democratic governance. Since assuming office, Minister Wike has repeatedly flouted legal protocols and exhibited a troubling tendency towards autocratic rule, jeopardizing the democratic fabric of the nation’s capital.
One of the most alarming aspects of Minister Wike’s tenure is his propensity to disregard court orders and engage in arbitrary actions, including the abrupt dismissal of over 20 heads of agencies and parastatals, illegitimate termination of contracts, and unlawful demolition of properties, such as in the case of Mr. Nicholas Ukachukwu’s property, despite valid court orders explicitly prohibiting the demolition. Such blatant violations of legal norms not only undermine the credibility of the minister’s leadership but also erode public trust in the justice system.
Minister Wike’s unilateral termination of contracts without due process, as seen in the recent case at the Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC), raises serious questions about his commitment to upholding contractual obligations and respecting business agreements. This reckless disregard for established legal procedures not only undermines investor confidence but also threatens the economic stability of Abuja. Given his background as a lawyer, this action not only demonstrates a lack of respect for contractual agreements but also raises questions about the minister’s commitment to legal protocols.
Moreover, the company managing the AICC, Integrated Facility Management Services Ltd, has been instrumental in transforming the conference center into an internationally recognized facility for over a decade, It is perplexing that the minister would disregard their contractual rights and unilaterally terminate their agreement, especially considering the absence of complaints about the center’s condition prior to his decision, despite hosting an uncountable number of events both national and international.
This pattern of behavior suggests a troubling trend towards autocratic rule and the consolidation of power in the hands of the minister. By flouting legal procedures and pursuing personal interests at the expense of democratic principles, H.E. Barr. Nyesom Wike risks undermining the progress and stability achieved in Abuja over the years.
Furthermore, Minister Wike’s actions seem to be driven more by personal interests and a desire for political monopoly than the welfare of the people he is supposed to serve, by prioritizing his own agenda over democratic principles and the rule of law.
In light of these troubling developments, it is imperative that H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu calls the FCT Minister to order, ensures that he reverses his actions, and upholds the rule of law in Abuja. Failure to address these concerns not only undermines the integrity of governance in the nation’s capital but also sets a dangerous precedent for the future of democracy in Nigeria.
MUHAMMED WROTE FROM YOLA, ADAMAWA STATE
