FCT Minister Wike urged to adhere to federal character principle on appointment

The Reformed Arewa Youth Coalition (RAYC) has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike to adhere to the principle of federal character in his appointments.

The group, at a press conference, in Abuja, claimed that all appointments made so far by Wike have yet to reflect the principle of Federal Character.

Led by Comrade Attahiru Musa, the group argued that the aberration must be discouraged because the FCT is the centre of unity and that any act that does not promote unity must be rejected.

The group called on the FCT Minister to retrace his steps since his actions on the issue so far is at the risk of polarizing the federal capital territory along ethnic and religious lines, which can potentially rupture the fragile peace in the FCT and its environs.

The group particularly alleged that Wike is running the FCT like a lord of the manor where everyone deferred to his whims and caprices.

It alleged: “Wike has displayed a despicable trend evident in his choice of appointments. He has turned the FCT into an extension of Rivers state, deliberately ignoring the federal character principle,” the statement said.

“By all indications, the FCT Minister elected to forget that the FCT is the Centre of Unity, and, as such, the principle of inclusion must stand supreme above every other interest.

“The choice of appointments made so far by the FCT Minister is an affront to the Centre of Unity status of the FCT. By and large, the FCT has been turned into an extension of Rivers State.

“The FCT Minister must realize that he is the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and not the Minister for Rivers State. So, the attempt to flood the FCT Ministry with politicians from Rivers State needs to augur better for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“He cannot administer the Federal Capital Territory the way he administered Rivers State. He must be prepared to act honourably or forced to equally resign his appointment honourably.

“From the litany of aides, directors, permanent secretaries, and heads of agencies and departments, it has become a Rivers State affair. This does not seem right, and the Reformed Arewa Youth Coalition rejects such ethnic enterprise in the Federal Capital Territory.

“We are using this medium to call on the FCT Minister to end his ethnic pursuits in the FCT Ministry. It is expected that upon resumption of office, he should have acquainted himself with the mandate of the FCT Ministry to guide him in his conduct. “