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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised senior advocate and human rights lawyer Femi Falana over his comments on security measures introduced ahead of the recent Area Council elections in Abuja.
Falana had publicly faulted the FCT Administration for declaring a public holiday and imposing movement restrictions prior to the polls, questioning the legal and constitutional basis for the actions.
Ejes Gist News reports that Wike, speaking to journalists after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, defended the measures, stating that they were implemented following presidential approval and based on security intelligence.
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Wike Defends Movement Restriction Order
The FCT Minister said the decision to restrict movement during the election period was taken after security agencies raised concerns about alleged plans to mobilise hoodlums into the territory to disrupt the process.
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According to him, President Tinubu authorised the restriction in line with security recommendations aimed at ensuring a peaceful and credible election.
“It was Mr President’s approval that movements should be restricted because of a security report that people were trying to bring in hoodlums,” Wike told reporters.
He maintained that the actions were precautionary and rooted in intelligence assessments, rather than arbitrary executive action.
‘Verify Before You Comment’ – Wike Tells Falana
Wike also took direct aim at Falana’s public commentary, urging the senior lawyer to verify information before making pronouncements on sensitive governance issues.
“With all due respect, Femi Falana must not always comment just because he wants to comment,” the minister said.
“Comment on something you know about and have facts on. You can’t just wake up, hear somebody said this, and you can’t even verify before you make comments.”
He added: “It’s not everything you must comment. And if you must comment, go and find out and know what actually happened.”
Background to the Dispute
The disagreement centres on the legality and necessity of the public holiday and curfew declared ahead of the FCT Area Council elections. Critics, including Falana, questioned whether the restrictions complied with constitutional provisions on freedom of movement and civic rights.
The FCT Administration has insisted that the measures were temporary and designed strictly for security purposes. Government officials argue that similar restrictions have been used in other election cycles to prevent violence and voter intimidation.
The exchange underscores ongoing tensions between public office holders and civil society advocates over executive powers, election security, and constitutional safeguards within the Federal Capital Territory.
