Dear (Honourable) Minister Wike
How does it sound to (you) that your very first public statement as a cabinet Minister is to issue threats to a citizenry already distressed and depressed by the actions of the government you serve?
It speaks volumes that it did not occur to you that a statement that would have a salutary effect on the citizenry should have been more appropriate on that occasion. Even if you had justification to issue threats, there is a place for finesse in governance; in public statement. The country is not at war, and governance is not the conduct of war by other means.
I am not here in any way supporting those who might have violated the Abuja master plan, but methinks that before that Riot Act, there ought to be a simple notice of intention, then a reminder, another reminder and then a Riot Act. That is the decent way to conduct the business of governance.
The people have a right not to expect intimidation by those appointed to serve them. Threats, verbose and grandstanding by a Minister of the Federal Republic only serve as an unfortunate portrayal of a thug brand. You are no longer in your fiefdom, Rivers State. You are now in the Federal capital, Abuja, the seat of power and host to international state and non-state actors. Need I remind you that the international community is watching and the actions and utterances of political leaders in relation to the citizenry have a way of reflecting on the place of the country in the comity of nation?
*Frank Ofili sent this to The DEFENDER as posted on his Facebook page on Wednesday August 23, 2023.
