Babatunji Wusu –
Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has been granted seven days to express regret to the Igbo people in Nigeria.
Ositadinma Patrick Nwoye, the chairman of the Igbo Community Assembly in Abuja, warned Wike that he would either have to apologize or risk the wrath of the Igbo people as well as the gods of Igbo land.
In response to purported remarks made by Wike against Igbos during the demolition of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu’s housing development, Nwoye issued the warning in a statement to reporters in Abuja.
The Minister was charged with speaking disparagingly about the Igbo people.
In his statement, Nwoye urged Wike to acknowledge that Abuja is not Port Harcourt and that remarks of this nature do not advance peace and unity in Nigeria.
Nwoye, in his statement, also called on Wike to note that Abuja is not Port Harcourt, adding that such statements do not promote unity and peace in Nigeria.
“It has come to our notice about the alleged derogatory statement of Hon. Minister of Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Ezenwo Wike when he went to demolish the property of one of our illustrious sons in person of Hon. Evangelist Prince Nicholas Chukwujekwu Ukachukwu.
“Such derogatory statement is totally uncalled for and should not be swept under the carpet. Because we the Igbos are not commoners in this country Nigeria and the world at large. Which is why we have to address this world Press Conference to keep the records straight.
“Wike should apologise to the Igbos for using the alleged derogatory language.
“That ‘why should an Igbo man be given such massive land and there?’ and that he has dealt with Igbos in Port Harcourt that he will do same here in Abuja.
“We want to remind him that Abuja is not Port Harcourt,” Nwoye said.
Nwoye who presented copies of ministerial approvals for the Asokoro Estate as well as copies of the court order preventing the demolition of the estate, faulted the Minister for going ahead with the demolition.
He said: “We also want to ask Nyesom Ezenwo Wike other fundamental questions on the said Asokoro land matter.
“Question No. 1. Was there a court order restraining the demolition? Question No. 2 If there was, why was it not obeyed?”
“He told Nigerians that their was no ministerial approval for the said Asokoro land but with me here is a copy of the ministerial approval.
“He (Wike) is lying. We also have copies of the court orders. We also have copies of proof of service to show that he was duly served.”
The group described Wike’s action as mere intimidation, hatred and envy for the Igbos and called on President Bola Tinubu to call the minister to order.
