Wike’s Threats Pose a Grave Risk to National Security, Says Northern Group

The Arewa Democratic Front (ADF), a prominent northern advocacy group, has expressed deep concern over recent inflammatory remarks made by the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The group, in an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, described Wike’s statements as a significant threat to Nigeria’s national security and unity.

The controversy began during a recent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congress in Rivers State, where Wike reportedly threatened to incite violence in states governed by the PDP if their governors interfered in the political disputes of Rivers State.

He was quoted saying, “Be prepared because I have the capacity to do the same in your state. Whether you’re from Bauchi or any other state, if you try to interfere in Rivers State, you will get burned and will not sleep peacefully in your state.”

This rhetoric has alarmed the ADF, which views Wike’s comments as not only reckless but as a direct attack on the peace and stability of Nigeria.

In their open letter, signed by ADF President Engr Mustapha Yusuf and Coordinating Secretary Malam Muazu Haruna, the group urged President Tinubu to address Wike’s outburst with the urgency it demands, warning that such divisive statements could unravel the nation’s fragile unity.

The ADF stated, “Minister Wike’s incendiary threats to ‘set fire’ in states governed by the PDP represent a brazen assault not only on the unity and peace painstakingly fostered by your administration but also on the very fabric of Nigeria’s democratic ethos.

His outburst, which specifically targeted Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, reeks of political thuggery and signals a disturbing descent into the kind of partisan warfare that threatens the stability of our nation.”

The group emphasised that Wike’s threats should not be dismissed as mere political rhetoric, especially given his influential position within the federal administration.

They highlighted that his declaration to incite political chaos in PDP-governed states, particularly those in Northern Nigeria, could have far-reaching consequences, exacerbating existing tensions in a region already grappling with insecurity.

“Wike’s threats must be seen for what they are: a clear and present danger to the security of Northern Nigeria and the entire nation,” the group noted.

The ADF also criticised the apparent silence from the Presidency regarding Wike’s remarks, questioning whether his statements reflect the official stance of the administration.

The group asked, “Does his violent rhetoric reflect the official stance of your administration? 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, in the person of Wike.”

Reflecting on the history of violence and instability that has plagued Northern Nigeria, the ADF reminded President Tinubu of the immense toll that terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts have taken on the region.

They urged the President to take decisive action to prevent further destabilisation, cautioning that Wike’s statements could ignite further discord and undermine the peace efforts of his administration.

“Wike’s behaviour is unbecoming of a member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and is a disservice to the high office he occupies.

His conduct undermines the very principles of democracy that your administration claims to uphold and sets a dangerous precedent for how political power is wielded in this country,” the letter continued.

The ADF called on the National Security Adviser and other relevant security agencies to investigate Wike’s threats and take appropriate measures to prevent any escalation of tensions.

They warned that the Northern people would not tolerate any threats to their peace and stability, and would take necessary steps to protect their communities from any form of political incitement.

“We, the ADF, wish to place on record that we will not be held responsible for the consequences of Wike’s reckless utterances.

The Northern people will not stand idly by while their peace is threatened by a Minister who seems to have lost all sense of decorum and responsibility.

We will resist any attempts to destabilise our region and protect our communities from any form of political arson,” the group asserted.

In conclusion, the ADF urged President Tinubu to act decisively, stressing that the unity of the nation, the integrity of his administration, and the future of Nigeria’s democracy are at stake.

They called for immediate action to address the dangerous implications of Wike’s remarks, underscoring the need for a firm response to safeguard national security and prevent further divisions within the country.

“The peace and security of Northern Nigeria, and indeed all of Nigeria, must not be compromised by the reckless actions of a few. The Northern people will not take this threat lightly.

We stand united against any attempt to undermine our peace and stability. Mr President, it is time to act decisively.

The unity of this nation, the integrity of your administration, and the future of our democracy are at stake,” the letter concluded.