The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike on Thursday defied the nationwide anti-government protest and presented Staff of Office to the newly appointed four graded chiefs in the Territory.
As early as 9 am Abuja’s city centre looked like a ghost town, with little of both vehicular and human traffic on the roads.
The Minister who had threatened that FCT has no room for Protesters, defied the security threats and attended the ceremony.
While he reiterated his stance that protest can’t solve the problems in Nigeria, he noted that recognition of traditional institutions was part of President Bola Tinubu’s strategies of deepening democracy at the grassroots.
Wike noted that when he assumed office as a Minister, he learnt that some traditional stools were without occupants, so he quickly consulted stakeholders, who made inputs for the actualization of the appointment and installation of the monarchs.
The Minister used the occasion to address the concerns of citizens over the nationwide protest, saying that the government was always ready to dialogue with citizens over issues on their welfare.
While he noted that traditional rulers have key roles to play in maintaining peace in the country, he also urged them to shun comments or actions capable of setting the people against their neighbours or the government.
He said, “These stools were vacant before we came on board. We thank God Almighty that with the support of relevant stakeholders, we have been able to fill these stools today.
“Traditional rulers have a lot of roles to play. You are the closest to the grassroots. You interface with the people more than us. You know what and how the people feel.
“ You can tell us whether the government is making any impact or not and you are the ones to convey to your subjects what government is doing. if you convey a wrong message, that is what the people will accept.
“If you convey the right message that is what the people will accept. So you need to take your responsibility very seriously. The government will provide all you need to work for your people.
“If there are issues, reach out to us and we will do the needful. You don’t have to start going to churches or mosques raising such issues. When we visited the councils, you told us some of the things you needed immediately and we have done some and are doing the rest”.
The newly appointed chiefs include the Sa’Karuyi of Karu, HRH Joseph Narai( 2nd class chief), Esu Kwali, HRH Luka Nizassan ( 2nd class chief), HRH Abubakar Pai, Sarkin Pai ( 3rd class chief) and Aliyu Ndatsu, Esu of Yaba ( 3rd class chief).
