The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has assured Abuja residents of safety over the rising spate of insecurity in the territory.
Wike gave the assurance on Tuesday at an emergency stakeholders meeting convened with heads of security agencies, Area Council Chairmen, and Traditional Rulers in attendance.
He said, “all of us are aware of the security situation in the FCT, particularly Bwari and some other areas that have witnessed security challenges.
“Our concern is that for the FCT that has virtually every Nigerian, we owe a duty to make sure that this place is safe, to do all we can, and we assure Nigerians who reside here, that there is no need for panic”, he assured.
The Minister frowned at the area council chairmen for not taking their responsibilities seriously, pointing to their constant traveling.
He said, “This time around, we will not be happy where area council chairmen will abdicate their responsibilities and travel out.
“We have gotten reports that the council chairmen travel any time, and if anything happens, they will not call anybody’s name but the FCT minister’s.
“So, council chairmen should know that they must wake up to their responsibilities. It is not everything that happens people will say that the ministers are not taking steps.”
He faulted them for the NUT strike which he said, was not his responsibility as the minister, assuring that efforts would be made towards resolving the issue.
“Recently the NUT has embarked on strike; it is not because of our fault, it is the Councils’ Chairmen’s fault because primary schools are under the purview of the area councils.
“Again, it will look as if the ministers are doing nothing, but that is not our responsibility,” he said.
