A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his response to opposition demands for accountability regarding the alleged Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (FIPC).
Eze, a former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP), said Wike’s remarks dismissing calls by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition leaders for explanations over the FIPC controversy were inconsistent with democratic principles.
In a statement issued on Friday, Eze said public officials remain accountable to Nigerians and that opposition parties have a constitutional responsibility to scrutinise government actions.
He argued that citizens do not have to hold elective office before demanding transparency from public office holders.
According to him, the issues surrounding the alleged FIPC require clear explanations rather than political exchanges.
Eze claimed that the organisation had reportedly operated within government circles, interacted with public officials and participated in official engagements, raising questions that, in his view, deserve clarification.
He also accused the Tinubu administration of becoming increasingly intolerant of criticism, saying governments should respond to concerns raised by citizens rather than attack critics.
The ADC chieftain urged the FCT minister to focus on addressing developmental challenges in the Federal Capital Territory, including infrastructure, security and public service delivery.
He further alleged that frequent attacks on opposition figures could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.
Eze also criticised President Bola Tinubu over the appointment of his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila to chair the committee on the establishment of state policing, saying the decision was inappropriate in view of the issues surrounding the FIPC controversy.
“Appointing his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to preside over the committee on the establishment of state policing, at this critical time is inappropriate, in view of the allegations surrounding the FIPC scandal” . He stated
He called on Nigerians to continue demanding accountability from public officials and reaffirmed that the opposition would continue to perform its constitutional role without intimidation.
