Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says he is deeply worried about the growing level of tribal and religious sentiments shaping public reactions in Nigeria.
Wike voiced his concerns on Thursday during a media briefing shortly after the FCT Executive Committee meeting, where he addressed the controversy surrounding his recent encounter with a military officer.
On Tuesday, the Minister and officials of the FCT Administration had a confrontation with soldiers in Abuja over access to a disputed plot of land — an incident that quickly sparked heated reactions across the country.
Speaking on the backlash, Wike said many Nigerians interpret events through the lens of tribe or religion rather than facts, warning that the nation cannot progress under such conditions.
“None of us knows the day or the manner we will depart this world,” he said. “I cry for this country because we either tribalize everything that happens or inject religion into it. No country, no matter how hard you work, can ever succeed if we continue to allow impunity and lawlessness.”
The Minister insisted that due process must always prevail and urged Nigerians to avoid bias when assessing issues of national importance.
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