The Reformed Arewa Youth Coalition (RAYC) has leveled accusations against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, alleging a disregard for the principle of federal character in his appointments.
The group made this known during a press conference over the weekend in Abuja, claiming that Wike’s management of the FCT resembled a feudal lordship, where his every decree was unquestioned.
President of RAYC, Comrade Attahiru Musa, expressed dismay over what he termed “lopsided appointments,” pointing out the FCT Minister’s failure to uphold the principle of inclusion in the nation’s capital.
Musa asserted, “Wike has displayed a despicable trend evident in his choice of appointments. He has turned the FCT into an extension of Rivers State, deliberately ignoring the federal character principle.
“By all indications, the FCT Minister elected to forget that the FCT is the Centre of Unity, and, as such, the principle of inclusion must stand supreme above every other interest.
“The choice of appointments made so far by the FCT Minister is an affront to the Centre of Unity status of the FCT. By and large, the FCT has been turned into an extension of Rivers State.”
He warned of the potential consequences, stating, “There is an urgent need for the FCT Minister to retrace his steps at the risk of polarizing the federal capital territory along ethnic and religious lines, which can potentially rupture the fragile peace in the FCT and its environs.”
The group unequivocally made it known that the FCT Minister’s duty extends to the entire territory, not just Rivers State, urging him to adhere to the principles of fairness and unity.
They criticized the absence of diversity in appointments, declaring, “All appointments made by the FCT Minister were yet to reflect the principle of Federal Character.”
RAYC called for an end to what they termed “ethnic pursuits” within the FCT Ministry, urging Wike to govern in alignment with the mandate of unity and inclusivity.
