*Asks President to act fast, restore contract to save Nigeria from global image crisis
*Says Wike’s high-handedness in office as FCT Minister not good for country
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been called upon to call the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, to order over his high-handedness in office especially his cancellation of management contract of the International Conference Centre, Abuja, without recourse to the dictate of law.
Making this call at a Press Conference in Lagos on Saturday April 27, 2024 was the Concerned Citizens of Nigeria Nationwide, with motto: ‘Justice for All’.
In the text of press conference address read by President of the group, Dr. Joseph Jabani Chinda, it was revealed that Mr. Wike, upon assuming office as minister in Abuja, threw caution to the winds and cancelled a 10-year ICC management contract that had only been operated for three years.
It was said Wike did this without show of concerns for implications the act of impunity would have in how the world looks at Nigeria as a country that does not respect rules contract agreement.
According to Dr. Jabani Chinda, “We are gathered here today to address a matter of utmost concern and importance; the unjustified and needless revocation of the facility management contract for the International Conference Centre, Abuja, between the Integrated Facilities Management Services Ltd (IFMSL) under the good leadership of its Managing Director, Senator Abubakar Ahmed Mo-Allah Yidi and Abuja Investments Company Ltd (AICL).”
He explained that, “Recently the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, in his usual combative style had announced in the media the purported cancellations of the facility management of the International Conference Centre, for no justifications nor adherence to due process.
“Much as there was no justification and fair-hearing, this purported action by Mr Wike is at best illegal, punitive, totally strange and at variance with any known protocols and procedures of handling such matters.”
The DEFENDER gathered from the press conference address that Integrated Facilities Management Services Ltd had “diligently and effectively” managed the International Conference Centre, ensuring its smooth operation and upkeep under which stewardship the centre had flourished becoming a beacon of excellence in hosting international conferences, events and gatherings.
Its job, therefore, was rated as one that was not only exemplary but also crucial for the growth and development of Nigeria being that its dedication to maintaining the International Conference Centre at the highest standards attracted local and foreign investors, thus boosting economic activity and fostering international relations for world’s largest black nation.
The group therefore called the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, leadership of the National Assembly and traditional leaders across regions of the country to what it described as the unfuriendly and aggressive tactics employed by Minister Nyesom Wike, a lawyer, in superintending over the FCT.
“His pattern of finding faults and instigating conflicts with thriving businesses based on personal interests and differences is not only alarming but detrimental to the economic growth and stability of the FCT.
“Wike’s penchant for taking illegal and extra-judicial actions against businesses and individuals not only undermines the rule of law but also works directly against the interests of the Federal Government. His actions create an atmosphere of uncertainty and hostility that is detrimental to investment and development in the FCT.
The Federal Government must take swift and decisive action on Barrister Wike to respect law and order as well as contractual agreements and processes in the FCT ministry. Allowing him to continue unchecked will only lead to further erosion of investor confidence and cripple the potential for economic growth and prosperity in the Federal capital territory.
“The implications of revoking the contract with Integrated Facilities Management Services Ltd (IFML) are dire,, both domestically and internationally. Domestically, it sends a message of instability and unpredictability to investors, shaking their confidence in the Nigerian government’s commitment to honouring contracts and fostering a conducive business environment.
“Internationally, it tarnishes Nigeria’s reputation as a reliable partner for investment and collaboration. Overseas investors, who have been eyeing opportunities in Nigeria, may now reconsider their plans in light of this abrupt decision, leading to potential loss of investment and stunted economic growth,” CCN President Jabani Chinda said.
He, therefore, called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in upholding the integrity of the contract with IFML, adding that continuing the already signed partnership with Integrated Facilities Management Services Ltd “is not just a matter of business but a demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to honouring agreements and fostering a conducive environment for both local and international investors.”
He said, it was imperative to protect the interests of businesses and investors in the FCT and create an environment that fosters growth, innovation and prosperity for all and that Minister Wike’s actions have no place in a government that seeks to promote progress and development and that it is for the Federal Government to take decisive action to remedy the sad situation.
“In conclusion, we further urge Mr. President to consider the long-term implications of this decision and act in the best interest of Nigeria’s economic prosperity and international standing,” the Concerned Citizens President said.
Other contributors at the event included Dr. Ahmed Isa and Mr. Kpabep Lawson Bariledum, who clarified that the Concerned Citizens of Nigeria is not political group but an organisation that was established to follow developments in and around the around, give praises where necessary and stand up to fight against injustice where one is detected.
“The company (Integrated Facilities Management Services Ltd) and FCT signed agreement for 10 years but Wike came and cancelled the contract agreement just at three years into operation of that contract agreement without reason of shortfall leveled against the company. It is bad precedence. We are not politicians. We are calling on President Tinubu, Senate President, Speaker of House of Representatives, traditional rulers in the country to tell our political leaders to respect the law to save Nigeria from trust and integrity problems internationally,” Dr. Isa said.
In his own submission, Mr. Lawson Bariledum said, “We as Concerned Citizens are talking about Integrated business today, we should also go round and talk about injustice and unfairness being done everywhere which are giving Nigeria image crisis. Somebody batches my car, he comes down from his own car and start to beat me upon that. We should condemn it.
“We as government and as people should stop doing and saying things that tarnish the image of our country on the international scene. We are not politicians. We are Concerned Citizens and our aims and objectives are basically and mainly to fight against injustice done to any Nigerian anywhere in Nigeria and beyond, Bariledum said.
