Daniel Bwala, a former spokesperson for the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Council in the 2023 presidential election, has expressed the view that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is essentially akin to a glorified commissioner,Daily Trust reports.
Bwala made this statement in response to recent criticisms of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) by Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today. He alleged that Wike’s primary objective in his role as FCT Minister is to exert pressure on the opposition. Bwala remarked, “Wike’s fundamental aim in holding the FCT position is to exert influence and extend his authority over his political adversaries. In the days ahead, we will witness this strategy unfolding, employing Machiavellian principles.”
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He further stated, “Nigeria appears to be gravitating toward a one-party system. Many of the challenges we observe in some African nations stem from leaders’ efforts to effectively transform their states into one-party entities. People often boost his (Wike’s) ego, making him feel as though he is the governor of the FCT. It’s worth noting that, constitutionally, an FCT minister holds a role similar to that of a glorified commissioner. Consequently, if the FCT were to attain statehood status, it would bear the characteristics, responsibilities, and capabilities of a state.”
Bwala also asserted that the PDP would eventually take disciplinary action against Wike. He concluded, “We typically refrain from reacting to his theatrics, as he is known for his penchant for drama. The party is well aware of its course of action. In due course, not only will he face suspension but expulsion as well. You can bank on that.”
