Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Danjuma Shekwolo, has withdrawn his controversial call for residents to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) or leave the council.
Shekwolo made the clarification after a video of him directing residents to either support the APC or leave the area council sparked criticism online.
In the video shared on Tuesday, the chairman said he would not tolerate opposition from residents who had benefited from interventions by President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
“I have said in my area council, it’s either you are doing APC or leave the area council. I am not arguing with you,” he said.
However, in a statement on Wednesday, Shekwolo said the remarks were made during a meeting with APC youths and loyalists and were made in the context of discussions on “administrative efficiency, local development and community welfare”.
“You may recall that the event that led to the unfortunate incidents was a meeting with the APC party youths and loyalists,” he said.
The chairman acknowledged that his position did not give him the authority to deny any resident their fundamental rights.
“And as the Executive Chairman of Kuje Area Council, I have no right to disenfranchise any resident or citizen of their fundamental human rights in the council,” he said.
Shekwolo said his administration remained committed to inclusive governance and the development of all communities in the area council.
“Let me state unequivocally: our administration remains fully committed to inclusive governance, equity, and the total progress of every community in Kuje Area Council,” he said.
He also denied any intention to divide residents or introduce policies that would discriminate against people based on their political affiliations.
The chairman urged residents to cooperate with his administration irrespective of their political, religious or ethnic differences.
“I urge the good people of Kuje Area Council and the general public, regardless of their political affiliation, religious or ethnic differences, to join hands with our administration to make Kuje the area council of our dreams,” he added.
Shekwolo, the APC candidate, won the February Kuje Area Council chairmanship election with 17,269 votes, defeating Zakwoyi Danlami of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored 15,824 votes.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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