The Arewa Democratic Front (ADF), a Northern group, has raised alarm over recent statements made by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The group described Wike’s comments as a significant threat to national security and has called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action.
In an open letter to the President on Tuesday, signed by ADF President Engr Mustapha Yusuf and Coordinating Secretary Malam Muazu Haruna, the group expressed concern over Wike’s recent outburst, which they said reflects deep-seated animosity towards Northern Nigeria.
The ADF criticized Wike’s remarks as “reckless and destabilizing,” highlighting the potential danger they pose to Nigeria’s national security. The group noted that Wike’s threats to “set fire” in states governed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) represent a serious assault on the unity and peace that President Tinubu’s administration has worked to maintain.
“Minister Wike’s incendiary threats to ignite unrest in PDP-governed states are a brazen attack on the unity and peace painstakingly fostered by your administration, as well as on the very fabric of Nigeria’s democratic principles,” the ADF stated.
The group expressed particular concern over Wike’s targeting of Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, describing the threats as political thuggery and a disturbing move toward partisan warfare that could destabilize the nation.
“Wike’s declaration to unleash political chaos in the states of PDP governors who challenge his influence in Rivers State is a clear danger to national security,” the letter continued. “His threats to ‘burn the states of any governor who crosses his path,’ especially those from Northern Nigeria, cannot be dismissed as mere political rhetoric. These are inflammatory words from a man who holds a significant position within your administration, and they demand a serious and immediate response.”
The ADF also criticized the silence from the Presidency in response to Wike’s statements, demanding clarification on whether Wike’s comments reflect the administration’s stance.
“Is Wike speaking on behalf of the Presidency? Does his violent rhetoric reflect the official stance of your administration?” the group asked. “The people of Northern Nigeria, and indeed the entire nation, deserve to know if such reckless statements have your endorsement or if they were the unfortunate ramblings of an unchecked Minister.”
The ADF reminded President Tinubu of the violence and instability that Northern Nigeria has endured in recent years, including terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts. They warned that Wike’s actions could further inflame these issues.
“Wike’s threats are a clear and present danger to the security of Northern Nigeria and the entire nation. The implications go beyond intra-party squabbles and represent an existential threat to the peace and stability of Nigeria,” the ADF warned.
The group called for Wike to be cautioned and urged the National Security Adviser and other relevant security agencies to investigate the minister’s threats and take steps to prevent any escalation of tensions.
“The Northern people will not take this threat lightly. We stand united against any attempt to undermine our peace and stability. The ADF will not tolerate any further acts of mischief or incitement from Nyesom Wike or anyone else,” the letter concluded, urging President Tinubu to act decisively to protect the nation’s unity, the integrity of his administration, and the future of Nigeria’s democracy.