The chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Danjuma Shekwolo, has clarified his controversial remark directing residents to either support the All Progressives Congress or leave the council.
Shekwolo came under criticism after a video of him making the statement at a gathering surfaced online on Tuesday.
In the video, the council chairman appeared to link political support for the APC with residents’ continued stay in the area council, saying he would not tolerate opposition from people 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.
Amnesty International subsequently condemned the council chairman over his alleged threat to force residents out of the council. The human rights organisation described Shekwolo’s remarks as a direct threat to the lives and fundamental freedoms of residents, warning that no public official has the authority to make a person’s right to live in a particular part of Nigeria conditional on support for a political party.
Amnesty International, in a statement, called on the police and other security agencies to urgently intervene and prevent any attempt to use violence or intimidation against residents because of their political choices.
The organisation also urged security agencies to investigate the council chairman and ensure that he is held accountable for what it described as “reckless and irresponsible threats” against residents.
However, in a statement issued on Wednesday, Shekwolo said the remark was made during a meeting with APC youths and loyalists and was not intended as a policy of his administration.
According to him, the discussion centred 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 confer on him the power to restrict residents’ fundamental rights on the basis of their political affiliation.
“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 assured residents that his administration remained committed to inclusive governance, equity and development across the area council, regardless of political differences.
“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 added.
He also denied plans to discriminate against or marginalise any section of the population, urging residents to cooperate with the council irrespective of their political, religious or ethnic affiliations.
“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,” Shekwolo said.
Politics Nigeria recalls that Shekwolo contested the Kuje Area Council chairmanship election on the APC platform and secured 17,269 votes to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Zakwoyi Danlami, who polled 15,824 votes.
