COMBO: Senator Ireti Kingibe (L) and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike (R)
Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Ireti Kingibe, has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to reconsider and suspend the movement restriction imposed ahead of the FCT Local Government elections.
On Thursday, Wike declared Friday a work-free day and announced a restriction of movement from 8 pm on Friday to 6 pm on Saturday as part of preparations for the Local Council polls scheduled for Saturday.
In a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Matilda Duncan, Senator Kingibe strongly criticised the decision, describing it as a unilateral action. She characterised the restriction as “authoritarian, ill-considered, and unacceptable in a democratic society.”
According to the Senator, imposing a curfew across the territory without extensive consultation with key stakeholders undermines democratic governance and violates the constitutional rights of residents.
“The people of the FCT are not subjects under a dictatorship. They are citizens of a democratic republic. Any sweeping restriction on their movement and livelihoods must be justified by compelling evidence, subjected to scrutiny, and carried out with transparency,” she said.
While acknowledging the need to maintain law and order, Kingibe warned that security concerns should not be used as an excuse for “executive overreach.”
She noted that the restriction could cause serious economic hardship for small business owners, workers, families who depend on daily income, and international visitors.
“ECOWAS Parliamentarians will be arriving for a planned 10-day extraordinary meeting starting on Sunday, Set Weddings and receptions, Planned Functions, Marked Events and Embassies.
“Curfews are only warranted when there are SERIOUS security breaches, and there are NONE. This is only just Area Council (LG) Elections.
“Decisions of this magnitude cannot be taken without cause, consultation with stakeholders, and due process.
“The Minister should please remember that he is not the first to administer this territory and this is not the first election taking place here,” she said.
The Senator further pointed out that the timing of the restriction coincides with the arrival of delegates of the ECOWAS Parliament, as well as several scheduled social and diplomatic engagements in Abuja.
Consequently, Kingibe appealed to the Minister to urgently review and suspend the curfew in the interest of residents and visitors.
“The rights, freedoms, and economic well-being of the people of the FCT must never be compromised by arbitrary, authoritarian and draconian executive action.”
