The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has responded to criticism from the Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, over the movement restriction imposed from 8:00pm on Friday, February 20, to 6:00 pm on Saturday, February 21.
The Senator had faulted the restriction, but the Minister clarified that the curfew was not imposed by him personally, but approved by President Bola Tinubu.
He said, “It is unfortunate. I thought as a Senator she should be able to read. I never on my own imposed the curfew; I said with the approval of Mr. President.”
Speaking after monitoring polling units in areas including Garki, Karu, Karshi, Wasa, Apo, and Ketti, Wike also remarked on the importance of engaging with factual information, adding, “When you hear someone’s speech, why not take time to listen to what was said? She has her problem; I don’t want to join issues at the end of the election. When the results come out then we will know.”
On the conduct of the FCT polls, the Minister noted low voter turnout in some central areas but praised the peaceful nature of the exercise, stating, “No violence has been recorded yet.”
He further commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the orderly management of the elections, particularly the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and urged residents to continue maintaining order until the conclusion of the voting process.