Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the aegis of Citizens Network for Peace and Development in Nigeria (CNPDN) have called on President Bola Tinubu to ignore those criticising the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike.
The CSOs described those against Wike as enemies of development and political distractors who are bent on frustrating the efforts of the FCT minister.
Speaking on behalf of the CSOs, the National Coordinator of the Southern Movement, Chief Raphael Okorie said the appointment of Wike by President Tinubu was one of the best decisions of the current administration.
He maintained that the FCT Minister has achieved in nine months what some former Ministers failed to achieve in eight years.
Okorie also begged Nigerians to remain patient with Tinubu as he tries to fix the economy, restore security and provide the needed relief to everyone in the country.
“Wike has done a lot in just nine months. We know that there are people who want to distract him. But he has ignored them. He’s not even bothered about the crisis in Rivers State. He’s busy with developing Abuja.
“In nine months as FCT Minister, he has transformed the Territory. We want to assure him that we are with him and we stand behind him to succeed as Minister.
“We urge him to ignore those trying to distract him from replicating the wonders he performed in Rivers State.
“We have taken our time to assess the performance of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Wike,” he said.
Speaking further, Okorie disclosed that there is no doubt that they are set to deliver the dividends of the Renewed Hope Agenda expediently as promised.
“From rapid infrastructure development to a stabilising economy, there is no doubt that Nigeria is on the path to recovery.
“Here thereto, we micromanaged the value of the naira against other currencies of the world, had a completely stunted infrastructural development, the international community couldn’t invest in Nigeria because of inconsistent policies and over interference by government in the affairs of the private sector.
“Confidence in our economy that hit its highest under the Jonathan administration was completely eroded, foreign direct investments were near zero.
“Today we have attained relative and realistic stability in the management of the naira, and FDI is growing by the day. The private sector is getting the required support to grow and produce what we consume.
“Local content is being seriously encouraged and the government has opened its doors to all Nigerians to build an all-inclusive country where no Nigerian is shortchanged by those that have invaded to destroy our dear nation,” he Okorie noted.
Continuing, he added: “Our praises also go to Mr. Project, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike for proving Mr. President is right in appointing you as the Minister of the Nation’s capital, Abuja.
“Your performance is unprecedented, and we salute your courage, determination, and output in these nine months. Before the appointment of Wike as FCT Minister, insecurity was a major problem. In less than six months, he addressed the issue head-on.
“Today, the entire territory is relatively safe. We are not there yet, but with Wike in charge, we are optimistic that FCT will be completely safe soon.
“There are people who want to distract Wike from delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
“We urge President Tinubu to ignore such people and continue to support Wike. We also call on residents of the FCT to join hands together and support Wike to succeed.”