The Concerned Rivers People (CRP) has condemned recent demands for the removal of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, following his directive to demolish illegal structures in Abuja’s Ruga community.
In a statement issued Saturday, CRP Director of Communication, Robinson Uke, addressed criticisms by prominent social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and activist Deji Adeyanju, who had called for Wike’s dismissal.
The pair, alongside affected Ruga residents, staged a protest against the minister, citing concerns over the impact of the demolition on local residents.
Uke questioned the motives of the protest, accusing organizers of failing to conduct “due diligence” before condemning Wike’s actions.
“The demonstration appears to be designed to create division between President Bola Tinubu and the FCT Minister,” Uke asserted. “Those criticizing Wike’s decision seem to lack an understanding of governance.”
According to Uke, the demolition followed a legal process and ample notice was given to the occupants, who were residing illegally in an area designated for development under Abuja’s master plan.
Uke maintained that Wike, known for his strict adherence to law, would not have acted without appropriate authorization.
“We urge the public to dismiss these stunts and recognize the importance of following laws in the interest of public order,” he said, adding that governance “is not a comedy” and decisions are made based on established guidelines.
Uke further defended Wike’s reputation as a bold and impartial leader, urging activists like VDM and Adeyanju to seek alternative means of advocacy, free from what he described as “sentiment.”
The protest, which has stirred online debates, has brought renewed scrutiny to Abuja’s land use policy, with stakeholders divided over the methods employed to address illegal settlements.