Wike clarifies meeting with Israeli envoy as PANDEF, INC knock Gumi

Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has clarified his October 3 meeting with Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, dismissing as baseless, insinuations that he expressed support for Israel against Palestine.

The minister, at a meeting with leadership of the Abuja National Mosque Management Board, said he has no constitutional powers to determine Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with other countries; as such authority lies absolutely with the President and Commander-in-Chief.

“I have heard from various social media platforms that we had a meeting; that we are doing this and that with Israel. I am here, acting on delegation of powers, on behalf of Mr. President. I cannot determine the relationship between a country and another country. So, it is difficult for anybody to say I am doing this, I am doing that.

“Any foreign body that wants to have anything to do with Nigeria, it is the Minister of Foreign Affairs that will write to me and state that these people want to see me; it is simple. And when they come, it is my position to say, ‘Look, we want to partner with you.’ Take for instance, you are going into agriculture and we want to partner. Then, we tell you where, exactly,” he explained.

The minister further clarified that the meeting was purely for agricultural partnership, in the interest of FCT farmers.

He said: “In Abuja, here, most of them have cultural farms and we say, ‘Look, it is our desire to help anybody who wants to invest in Abuja, particularly, in agriculture, to employ our people, and to get more revenue.’ It has nothing to do with another country. It doesn’t work that way.”

Wike added: “When our people begin to think from different angles…and people may not understand that it is not correct. So, I would like to use this opportunity to say, ‘Look, we have to talk to our people. In fact, we must live harmoniously. We must live together to make sure development is promoted.”

Freeman had visited the FCT minister, days before the attack on Israel by Hamas, and consequent ongoing air strikes by the Jewish nation.

Notwithstanding the gap between the visit and eruption of conflict between Hamas and Israel, some critics had accused Wike of offering Nigeria’s support to the latter.

Freeman had, during the visit, expressed his country’s willingness to work with Nigeria to generate employment opportunities, transform Abuja into a technology hub, and engage in agricultural partnerships.

In response, Wike conveyed Nigeria’s commitment to partnering with Israel in information technology, with a plan to establish a technology village in Abuja. He also highlighted the favourable climate in Abuja, suggesting a collaborative effort to create a technology-driven farm that could employ many youths.

Wike further sought Israel’s assistance in enhancing Nigeria’s national security.

Meanwhile, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the Ijaw National Congress (INC) have warned a muslim cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, not to stir discord in the country.

The apex organisations in the South South faulted the call by Gumi for the removal of Wike as FCT minister.

Demanding Wike’s ouster, Gumi had reportedly said: “The minister of the FCT is a satanic person… He has gone and brought the Israeli ambassador… What is confirmed is: he said they will collaborate with the Israelis on Abuja’s security issues. Abuja will now become an extension of Tel Aviv. And when they see anyone with a beard like us, they will say it is Bin Laden and we will be killed…”

PANDEF’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ken Robinson, in a statement, yesterday, described Gumi’s call as irresponsible, absurd and subversive.

He said: “It is most unfortunate that at a time when every well-meaning Nigerian should be concerned about the stability, peace and unity of the country, the likes of Gumi are further stoking embers of discord, certainly, intended to exacerbate tension in the country.”

Also, INC spokesman, Ezenobi Oyakemeaagbegha, said: “This is not the best period for an individual or group to make provocative statements. People are provoked enough. The country is sitting on a keg of gunpowder; any little flame could light it up.”