Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has strongly criticized Umar Turaki, SAN, a factional leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for asking U.S. President Donald Trump and other Western leaders to step into Nigeria’s political situation.
Wike made his remarks on Wednesday during a visit from the South-South Development Commission, led by Chibudom Nwuche, at his office in Abuja. He described Turaki’s statements as dangerous and careless, warning that such comments could harm national unity.
Turaki had earlier claimed that Nigeria’s democracy was under threat after a clash between PDP factions at the party’s headquarters. He also said there was a “genocide against Nigerian Christians” and called for outside help to “save Nigeria’s democracy.”
Wike, however, rejected those claims, calling them false and misleading. He said there was no truth to the idea that democracy in Nigeria was collapsing.
“Imagine the level of irresponsibility,” Wike said. “You are calling on Donald Trump to come and save Nigeria’s democracy when you can’t obey a simple court judgment. A court tells you, ‘Don’t proceed until due process is followed,’ and you ignore it. Then you turn around and blame the government for your own impunity.”
He pointed out that the PDP’s problems were caused by its own members and had nothing to do with President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“You cannot put your own house in order, yet you want to drag in foreign governments. What exactly is their business in your internal crisis? Our democracy is not under threat,” Wike stated.
Wike also questioned Turaki’s claim of genocide, saying such a serious accusation should not be made without proof.
“You went on national television claiming Christians are being ed in a genocide. By implication, you are accusing the government of orchestrating it. Where are the security agencies? Why has he not been invited to present whatever evidence he claims to have?” Wike queried.
He said that such statements should lead to an investigation and urged public figures to speak with caution.
Wike ended by calling on politicians to stop using national security issues for political gain, saying the peace and unity of Nigeria must always come first.
I disagree with Wikes statement. Nigerias democracy is at risk and foreign help may be necessary. Lets consider all perspectives.
I respectfully disagree with Wike. Acknowledging Nigerias challenges is crucial for progress. Foreign help can offer valuable perspectives.
I dont agree with Wike. Nigerias democracy is at risk, and foreign help might be necessary. What do you think?
I respectfully disagree with Wike. Nigeria needs to address democratic challenges with all available resources, foreign help included.
I think Wike is missing the point here. Nigerias democracy might not be in danger, but foreign help can still be beneficial.