A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People's Democratic Party (nPDP), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of resorting to political intimidation instead of addressing concerns over the controversy surrounding the alleged Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (FIPC).
Eze made the accusation in a press statement issued on Friday while reacting to Wike's reported remarks directing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition leaders to "form their own government and sack whoever they want" after they demanded accountability over the FIPC controversy.
He described the minister's comments as arrogant, dismissive of democratic principles and indicative of what he called a growing intolerance for criticism within the President Bola Tinubu administration.
"It is unfortunate that instead of addressing the serious issues raised by Nigerians over the embarrassing FIPC saga, Nyesom Wike has once again resorted to insults, intimidation and political grandstanding. That is neither governance nor leadership. It is simply an attempt to divert attention from questions that deserve honest answers," Eze said.
He maintained that in every constitutional democracy, the opposition has not only the right but also the responsibility to question government actions, particularly where issues of public trust and institutional accountability are involved.
According to him, no Nigerian needs to occupy the office of the President before demanding accountability from public officials, insisting that those appointed into government remain answerable to the people throughout their tenure.
Eze said the controversy surrounding the alleged FIPC could not be dismissed through political rhetoric, arguing that reports suggesting the organisation operated openly within government circles required credible explanations.
"For months, Nigerians watched an organisation that is now allegedly being described as non-existent operate openly within the nation's power structure. It reportedly occupied office space in the Federal Secretariat, held meetings with ministers, ambassadors and senior government officials, participated in diplomatic engagements, interacted with security agencies and even enjoyed public recognition from some of the country's highest institutions," he stated.
He added that the allegations raised fundamental questions about the integrity of government institutions, administrative oversight and national security, stressing that such concerns deserved transparency rather than political attacks.
The ADC chieftain further alleged that Wike's response reflected growing intolerance of dissent, noting that the constitutional duty of the opposition was to hold the government accountable and provide alternatives to Nigerians.
He urged the FCT minister to concentrate on addressing developmental challenges facing the Federal Capital Territory, including infrastructure, security, public service delivery and transparent administration, rather than engaging in political confrontations.
"The residents of Abuja expect improved infrastructure, better security, efficient public services and transparent administration not daily political altercations. Public office should be measured by performance, not by the frequency of media attacks against perceived opponents," he said.
Eze also expressed surprise over President Tinubu's decision to appoint the President's Chief of Staff to chair the committee on the establishment of state police despite the controversy surrounding the FIPC.
He argued that the decision raised further questions about the administration's commitment to transparency and accountability, alleging that it suggested the President was unperturbed by allegations of misconduct within his government.
The former nPDP spokesman reminded the FCT minister that political power is temporary, stressing that public office holders would ultimately be judged by history rather than political rhetoric.
He reaffirmed the opposition's commitment to defending democratic values and demanding accountability from public office holders.
"We will remain steadfast in speaking truth to power, defending democratic values and insisting that every public official, regardless of status or influence, remains accountable to the Nigerian people. No amount of political bullying will alter that sacred obligation," Eze said.
