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Northeast Unity Forum Condemns Wike’s Political Banditry, Calls For His Sack As FCT Minister
The Northeast Unity Forum (NUF) strongly condemns the brazen political banditry displayed by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
NUF convener,Abubakar kabir made the call in a statement shared with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.
Wike’s recent threats against governors of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who support Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his threat to unleash crises in various states clearly demonstrate his dangerous bandit-inclined disposition and thuggish orientation, which have no place in a civilized and democratic society.
The NUF contends that Wike has lost touch with reality and has become a political outcast in Rivers politics after Governor Fubara purged him away from, and denied him access to, the state’s resources.
Thus, it is imperative that if Wike has an iota of decency and common sense, he should be in retrospection and reflect on his political blunders, betrayals, and the unnecessary crises he has instigated, which are swiftly eroding his remaining political relevance. He has become a political liability, embroiled in a crisis of relevance and identity, exposing him as a political scabbard devoid of a bayonet in his home state of Rivers.
His ingratitude to those who mentored and supported him is a clear indication of his treacherous nature. Wike’s political history is marred by betrayal and disloyalty.
He has shamelessly turned his back on his benefactors and political godfathers—Rotimi Amaechi, who elevated him from obscurity into main politics of Rivers state; Goodluck Jonathan, who appointed him as a minister and brought him to national prominence; and Patience Jonathan, who stood by him unwaveringly. Wike’s actions are a blatant betrayal of those who helped him rise to power, showcasing his true nature as a treacherous and ungrateful politician.
Furthermore, Wike’s repeated antiparty activities, including his open support for candidates outside the PDP, have completely exposed his hypocrisy, violation of party loyalty, indiscipline, and his narcissistic desperation for personal ambition over the collective good of the people and his party.
The NUF argues that his threats to “put fire in the states” of governors supporting Fubara are not only reckless but also a direct assault on the peace and stability of our nation. His declaration that governors interfering in Rivers State “will never sleep in your state” is a dangerous provocation that threatens the very fabric of our democracy and national stability. Such inflammatory rhetoric is unbecoming of a public official and cannot be tolerated.
Therefore, the NUF demands the immediate sack of Nyesom Wike as the FCT Minister. His actions have demonstrated that he is unfit to hold any public office, let alone one as significant as the FCT Minister.
President Tinubu must choose between upholding the rule of law, decency, and common sense or aligning with an irredeemably compromised politician like Wike, who is determined to create violence and instability to remain in the public limelight to the detriment of Nigeria’s interests.
Similarly, the PDP leadership must act decisively to sanction Wike and restore discipline and order within their party. Through this, the party will uphold the principles of democracy, unity, and loyalty, which are the bedrock of any political system.
It is entirely justifiable to tame Wike’s political hooliganism after he has exposed himself as a self-serving and unprincipled politician struggling to foment chaos to reclaim his lost relevance.
Nigeria’s democracy depends on our collective ability to reject such dangerous individuals and uphold the principles of justice, respect, restraint and integrity without giving chance to characters that are charlatans.
Zamfara State elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have lauded the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, for his generosity in distributing over 100 cows to party members in celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
The distribution took place in Gusau, with APC State Chairman Hon. Tukur Umar Danfulani represented by the party’s Secretary, Hon. Ibrahim Umar Dangaladima, overseeing the process.
In a statement, the convener of the Zamfara APC Elders Forum, Dr. Mua’zu Haruna Gummi, praised Matawalle’s act, describing it as a demonstration of his commitment to the party and the people of Zamfara State.
“This gesture is not just about charity; it is a testament to Dr. Matawalle’s leadership, his concern for the well-being of our people, and his deep understanding of the values that bind us together as a community,” Gummi stated.
“At a time when unity and solidarity are crucial, he has stepped forward to remind us that true leadership is about service, about giving back, and about ensuring that no one is left behind.”
Gummi further described Matawalle as not only a political leader but also a father figure who prioritizes the needs of his people.
He called on party members to rally behind leaders like Matawalle, who are dedicated to the growth of the party and the development of Zamfara State.
Meanwhile, the Minister also urged Nigerians to continue praying for the country’s security forces as they intensify operations against armed groups, achieving notable successes.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to implementing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to restore peace and stability in the region.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), on Saturday, issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Edo State Government and the Federal Government following the brutal mob attack that led to the killing of innocent Northern hunters in Uromi, Edo State.
The victims were reportedly returning home to celebrate the end of Ramadan and Eid Kabir with their families when they were attacked.
NEF spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, in a statement, condemned the killings as “barbaric, extra-judicial, and cowardly,” calling for urgent action to address the situation.
He said: “The North has tolerated numerous such animalistic and cannibalistic acts of recklessness from some Southern part of Nigeria in the past. This must come to an end.
“The North will take stringent action in response to this inhumane attack on its peace-loving people. Consequently, the NEF hereby demands the following immediate actions from the authorities in Edo State and the Federal Government.
“The swift recovery of the bodies of the victims and their dignified transfer to their families for an honorable and befitting burial in accordance with their respective faiths. The arrest and trial of all individuals responsible for the attack and the brutal killings of the innocent travellers.”
The forum also demands a public prosecution of the perpetrators and those that aided the crime to ensure full transparency and accountability.
He add, “The due payment of compensation to the families of the victims, in line with the prescribed standards of their respective faiths. An unreserved apology from the people and authorities of Edo State, with a commitment to ensuring that such barbaric behavior never occurs again.
“An unreserved apology from the Edo State Government to the North for this heinous attack on its people. The punishment of the perpetrators must be witnessed by the public to serve as a deterrent to any such future acts of violence.
“The NEF demands that the Edo State Government and the Federal Government take concrete and visible steps to fulfill these demands within fourteen (14) days from the date of this release. Failure to do so will compel the North to take all necessary actions to seek justice for her people and the North.
“The Federal Government must ensure that justice is served to the victims and their families to preserve peace, stability, and the peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians.”
The NEF urged Northern communities to remain calm and patient while it pursues the matter through the appropriate government agencies.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday stated that troops of Operation Delta Safe have sustained their operational tempo against crude oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta, recording significant successes in their efforts to curb illicit activities in the region.
A statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, revealed that troops recovered a substantial quantity of stolen crude oil, illegally refined AGO, and PMS, totalling 392,174 litres, 138,757 litres, and 830 litres, respectively.
He stated that the troops also discovered and destroyed 29 crude oil cooking ovens, 31 dugout pits, 48 boats, 21 storage tanks, 18 drums, and 16 illegal refining sites.
Additionally, they recovered various items, including pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and four vehicles.
The operation, according to General Kangye, resulted in the arrest of 11 oil thieves and other criminals, with assorted arms and ammunition, as well as dynamites, also being recovered.
In related developments, troops conducted successful offensive operations, arresting six criminals, including a suspected kidnapping kingpin, and recovering a locally made pistol and live cartridges.
The Director also stressed that troops rescued two kidnapped hostages and recovered a vehicle during counter-kidnapping and anti-criminality operations in Ndokwa West LGA of Delta State.
These successes, he said, demonstrate the effectiveness of Operation Delta Safe in combating crude oil theft and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Udo Ka foiled planned kidnapping and terrorism attacks in Anambra, Imo, and Abia states, arresting several suspects and rescuing kidnapped victims.
According to Kangye, “On 20 and 21 March 2025, troops conducted offensive operations in Igbariam Local Government Area of Anambra State and Owerri Municipal Local Government Area of Imo State, resulting in the arrest of three suspected terrorists/kidnappers and the rescue of four attempted kidnapped victims.”
He stated that troops also recovered arms and ammunition, including several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and live cartridges, as well as a vehicle and tricycle.
He said that troops arrested many extremists in Imo and Enugu states, recovering one pump-action gun, live cartridges, and some quantities of illicit drugs.
Additionally, troops rescued a kidnapped victim in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, arresting the suspects and recovering a locally made pistol and a tricycle.
Also, troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded significant successes against ISWAP/JAS terrorists in the North-east region.
Kangye said that between 21 and 26 March 2025, scores of terrorists, including adult males, females, and children, surrendered to troops following intense military operations.
He revealed that troops also conducted offensive operations in various locations, including Konduga, Gwoza, and Bama, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists, the apprehension of others, and the rescue of kidnapped hostages.