The Grassroots Mobilization Network (GMN), a support group of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has condemned recent remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, against the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark, urging him to move beyond past political differences.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday and signed by its Secretary-General, Usman Bala Idris, the group described Wike’s criticism of Senator Mark over the state of roads in the FCT as irresponsible and misplaced.
The GMN alleged that Wike had continued to target Senator Mark and other elder statesmen because of grievances arising from his defeat at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held several years ago.
According to the group, rather than allowing the disappointment to fade with time, the FCT minister appears unable to move beyond the episode.
The organisation further suggested that the emergence of Wike’s kinsman and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as the ADC’s vice-presidential candidate may have contributed to the renewed attacks on Senator Mark.
It also dismissed Wike’s claims regarding Senator Mark’s use of helicopters while in office, describing the allegations as unfounded.
“It is surprising that Wike, who has travelled in several private jets, including the Rivers State-owned aircraft, for more than twelve years, would make such allegations against Senator Mark long after he completed his tenure as a two-term President of the Senate,” the statement said.
The group maintained that the constitutional responsibility of the President of the Senate is to make laws for the good governance of the country, not to supervise construction projects or engage in road construction.
“It is therefore completely misplaced to suggest that Senator Mark, as President of the Senate, was responsible for constructing roads,” the statement added.
The GMN further reminded the minister that one of Senator Mark’s constitutional duties while in office was the screening and confirmation of ministerial nominees, a process through which Wike himself passed before assuming federal office.
Describing Senator Mark as “a nationalist of high repute, a distinguished military officer and an accomplished presiding officer,” the group said he had served Nigeria meritoriously in every assignment entrusted to him.
“The nation has once again called on Senator Mark to provide leadership at this critical moment. No amount of insults or personal attacks will discourage patriotic Nigerians from the collective task of rescuing the country from the grip of leaders who place personal ambition above national interest,” the statement added.
