By Daniel Obi
The Nigeria Policy Group strongly condemns the recent remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, particularly his claim that he chased the governor out of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his statement that he could “put fire” in Zamfara State.
In a statement signed by Preye Tamuno on Thursday, the group called for restraint and constructive engagement among political leaders, urging them to prioritise national unity, peaceful coexistence and the welfare of citizens over political disagreements.
Such remarks are unnecessary, provocative and unbecoming of a public official entrusted with a national responsibility. At a time when Nigerians are dealing with serious security and economic challenges, political leaders should be focused on governance, peace and the welfare of citizens rather than personal political battles.
DAUDA LAWAL’S LEADERSHIP SHOULD NOT BE REDUCED TO PARTY POLITICS
Governor Dauda Lawal built a career in the banking sector before entering politics, rising to the position of Executive Director at First Bank of Nigeria. His professional background and record in public office should be part of any fair discussion about his leadership.
Wike’s claim that he chased Lawal out of the PDP is not an achievement to boast about. Political parties belong to their members, not to individuals who believe they have the power to determine who stays or leaves.
Wike should also reflect on the internal divisions that have weakened the PDP. The party’s crisis cannot be discussed honestly without considering the roles played by the various political actors involved. Rather than celebrating the departure of other members, political leaders should examine how their actions have affected the unity and strength of their party.
Leadership is not measured by how many people one claims to have pushed aside. It is measured by the ability to unite people, solve problems and serve the public.
Governor Lawal should be assessed on his performance and his relationship with the people of Zamfara, not on Wike’s personal claims of political influence.
POLITICAL DIFFERENCES MUST NOT LEAD TO DISCRIMINATION
Good governance requires fairness to all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations. Those who support the APC, the PDP or other political movements deserve respect and equal treatment under the law.
People who previously supported the APC in Zamfara should not be treated as enemies simply because their political choices have changed. The ability to accommodate people with different political views is an important part of democratic leadership.
Zamfara belongs to all its citizens, not to any single political party or individual. Its development should not be held hostage by disagreements between politicians.
WHAT DOES WIKE MEAN BY ‘PUT FIRE’ IN ZAMFARA?
The Nigeria Policy Group is particularly concerned about Wike’s reported statement that he could “put fire” in Zamfara State.
What exactly does the minister mean by this statement? If he is referring to ordinary political opposition, he should make that clear. If he means something else, Nigerians deserve an explanation.
Zamfara has faced serious security challenges, and its people need peace, stability and effective governance. A statement suggesting that a federal minister could bring “fire” into the state is capable of creating unnecessary fear and tension.
We are not claiming that Wike has threatened physical violence. However, public officials must understand the weight of their words and avoid statements that could be interpreted as threats against another state or its elected leadership.
NGF SHOULD CALL WIKE TO ORDER
We call on the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to publicly address these remarks and urge the FCT Minister to exercise restraint in his dealings with state governors.
The NGF has an important role in promoting cooperation between state governments and the Federal Government. It should not remain silent when comments by a federal officeholder risk creating unnecessary tension between levels of government.
A governor is an elected chief executive with a constitutional mandate from the people of his state. A minister, on the other hand, is a presidential appointee entrusted with specific responsibilities. Neither position should be used to intimidate the other or undermine the peace and stability of any state.
We also call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution his minister and remind him that public office demands discipline, maturity and responsibility. The office of the FCT Minister must not become a platform for settling personal political scores.
Nigeria needs cooperation among its leaders, particularly in addressing insecurity, unemployment and the economic hardship affecting ordinary citizens. Personal disagreements should never take priority over these national responsibilities.
The people of Zamfara must not become victims of political rivalry. Their security, welfare and development should remain the priority of every responsible leader.
