A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and public affairs analyst, Usman Okai Austin, has urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to caution the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, over alleged inflammatory comments attributed to him.
Okai, in a statement issued Wednesday in Abuja, expressed concern over a viral comment allegedly made by the Kuje council boss, in which he was said to have threatened to track down critics on social media and asked residents who do not support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to leave the area council.
He described the alleged remarks as inappropriate and capable of heightening political tension in the area, urging relevant authorities to intervene before they lead to a breakdown of law and order.
‘The Federal Capital Territory is home to all Nigerians, as well as the international community. We must not allow anyone to escalate tensions.
‘As an executive chairman, his words carry weight. If his supporters act on these threats, the security of the area council will be severely compromised,’ Okai said.
The ADC chieftain urged the Kuje council boss to exercise restraint and uphold the responsibilities attached to his office, noting that political disagreements should not be allowed to degenerate into threats or violence.
He also advised Shekwolo to emulate political leaders he described as advocates of peaceful engagement, including Senator Philip Aduda.
‘Being a local government chairman does not mean one should lack administrative civility. Kuje is known for peace and tolerance, and the leadership must reflect that,’ he said.
Okai subsequently called on security agencies to look into the alleged comments and, if necessary, invite the council chairman to clarify his position.
He said such a step would help prevent further escalation and reinforce the responsibility of political office holders to promote peace and protect residents, regardless of their political affiliations.