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Denies Imposing Curfew
- Safiu Kehinde
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has slammed Nigerian human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), over his criticism of the imposition of curfew in the capital city on Friday evening ahead of the 2026 FCT Council Election held during the weekend.
Falana had reportedly condemned Wike’s alleged imposition of curfew and declaration of public holiday, stressing that the FCT Minister lacks the jurisdiction to do such.
Wike, in reaction, faulted Falana’s remark on the directive which he claimed was issued by President Bola Tinubu as part of the security measures put in place ahead of the poll.
The Minister made this known while addressing the State House Media on Sunday.
As captured in a video share on X by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Wike charged Falana to always verify information before commenting on them.
“It’s not good for somebody, you wake up in the morning, afternoon, night, and just comment without really knowing fully what has happened. I never.
“It was Mr. President that said look, the movement should be restricted because of security reports that people are trying to bring in hoodlums.
“Mr. President said this is what should happen, not me. And he did not even read the speech.
“It is not everything that you must comment. If you must comment, go and find out actually what happened.
“By the approval of Mr. President, he has said restriction from 8pm on Friday and as usual, a work-free day so that they can go back to various Area Councils and participate in the electoral process. And this is not the first time.
“With all due respect, people like Femi Falana must not always comment because he wants to comment. Comment on something you know about.
“Comment on something you have facts. You can’t just wake and said somebody say this without even you verifying and investigating.
“That is not the way it is. It is not a popularity show. Sometimes, calm down and investigate, this thing they said, is it correct or not?
“I’m a Minister and the President gave approval. So, I did not impose curfew. The President has power to say look, from so so time, there should not be movement based on intelligence and security report.” Wike said.
Meanwhile, Wike declared the outcome of Saturday’s area council elections as a reflection of Tinubu’s visionary leadership.
NPO Reported that the APC won five of the six chairmanship seats contested in the Saturday’s elections.
The party secured victories in Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Kuje, Abaji and Kwali area councils, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in Gwagwalada.
Wike described the results as evidence that the Renewed Hope Agenda has restored optimism and confidence among FCT residents.
He added that the peaceful conduct of the poll equally demonstrated the people’s commitment to democracy and good governance.
The minister thanked residents for believing in what he called a “renewed and credible democratic process” championed by the Tinubu-led administration.
He also commended all candidates for participating in the election and upholding democratic values.
“Your participation is proof of your commitment to ensuring that the voice of the minority is heard, even when the majority prevails.
“Most especially, I congratulate the APC and the PDP for their victories. This election has shown Nigerians the ruling party and the real opposition party.
“Residents of the FCT have demonstrated that they cannot be deceived by emergency democrats who refuse to see anything good in our country,” he said.
Wike said Tinubu’s commitment to improving Nigerians’ lives, particularly in the FCT, had not gone unnoticed.
He expressed confidence that under Tinubu’s leadership, the FCT would remain a model of development and progress.
The minister praised the President for defending democracy, including supporting amendments to the Electoral Act to strengthen credible elections.
“This demonstrates his commitment to improving our democratic process,” he said.
Wike congratulated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting what he described as a free, fair and credible poll.
He said the exercise reflected the administration’s resolve to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure transparent, reliable electoral processes.
“I commend the security agencies for ensuring the peaceful conduct of the election. Their efforts contributed greatly to this democratic exercise.
“To the winners, you have been given a mandate to serve. Do so with humility, dedication and a commitment to excellence.
“Work tirelessly to improve residents’ lives and bring development to our communities,” he said.
He commended residents, particularly in satellite towns, for turning out peacefully to exercise their franchise.
“Your participation affirms your trust in our democracy. Continue to support efforts to build a better FCT,” he urged.
Wike pledged that the FCT Administration would continue delivering the dividends of democracy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.