Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused prominent rights activist Deji Adeyanju of resorting to “emergency activism” after he denied him the position of National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Wike, in a live media chat, revealed that Adeyanju had approached him for his blessing to secure the PDP spokesperson role, but he declined.
“He came to me seeking to be the PDP spokesperson, and I said no. He was not chosen, and I have no regrets about it,” Wike said. “He has now become a civil society activist because he has no job.”
Wike’s comments come amid a series of public criticisms from Adeyanju, who has been vocal in his condemnation of the FCT administration’s handling of development projects and the recent demolition of the Ruga settlement in Wuye District. Adeyanju had led a protest against the demolition and accused the administration of concentrating development efforts on the city center.
Wike, however, has dismissed these accusations and presented evidence to refute them.
Adeyanju, on his Facebook page, responded to the minister’s remarks with expletives and indicated that he would not be commenting further until Friday.
The incident has highlighted the increasingly tense relationship between the FCT administration and Adeyanju, who has become a prominent critic of the government’s policies.
Wike has vowed to continue with the demolition of illegal structures in the territory, stating that the government will not yield to blackmail by a few individuals seeking to maintain the status quo.