Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday asserted that Nigeria’s democracy faces no danger, rejecting recent allegations by the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tanimu Turaki, as irresponsible political posturing aimed at inciting national unease.

Wike gave the clarification while hosting the Board and Management of the newly created South-South Development Commission (SSDC), led by its board chairman, Prince Chinudom Nwuche, and Managing Director, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, who paid him a courtesy call in Abuja.

Ms Akpabio, a former FCT civil servant who began her public service career in the Federal Capital Territory Administration between 2006 and 2007, said her delegation came to strengthen institutional ties, outlining that the Commission would “deepen collaborations with federal MDAs and key stakeholders to ensure the South South remains at the forefront of policy implementation and development planning.”

In his remarks, Wike used the platform to address what he described as “dangerous and irresponsible political rhetoric” following Turaki’s televised allegation that Christians were facing genocide in Nigeria and his subsequent claim that the country’s democracy needed foreign intervention to survive.

According to Wike, such statements amount to a national security threat and misrepresent the country before the international community.

“Look at what someone said yesterday. You have internal crises in your own party, yet you go on national television claiming there is genocide against Christians. Essentially, you are telling the world that this government is committing genocide. And when security agencies invite you to clarify your claims, people shout, ‘They want to kill him!’ This is a national security threat. Some are even calling Trump to ‘save their democracy’. How can you call an outsider to save you when you can’t obey a simple court order?”, he queried.

The Minister stressed that Nigeria’s democracy is stable and not in danger, adding that the real threat lies in political actors who deliberately peddle incendiary claims.

“You cannot keep your house in order and then blame others for your failures. Impunity cannot continue,” he said.

Wike advised the SSDC leadership not to allow political distractions, sentiments or external pressures to derail the Commission’s mandate.

He cautioned that regional development agencies in the past collapsed under the weight of corruption, divided loyalties and poor leadership.

He said; “The development of your region depends heavily on your commitment. Too many people see an appointment as an opportunity to announce, ‘I have arrived.’ Many are not committed to the job. But

the only way to justify your appointment, and make the President proud, is to work tirelessly to deliver the Renewed Hope Agenda”, he said.

He disapproved the historical performance of interventionist agencies such as the NDDC, recalling how contractors “rushed in from Abuja with portfolios” while billions of naira yielded minimal impact.

He cautioned the SSDC board not to repeat the mistakes of duplication of projects, politically motivated contracts or abandoning community engagement.

“Don’t go and do streets that lead only to one person’s house. Don’t duplicate projects states or local governments are already doing. Go to the communities, ask them what their immediate needs are. Support the President fully. Don’t divide your loyalty. Your loyalty is to the President who appointed you”, he stated.

The FCT Minister, who acknowledged facing sustained political attacks since assuming office, said such pressures must never determine the integrity of public service.

He stated that; “I am here as Minister because I knew I could do the work. And yes, you will step on toes. But I’m not afraid as long as I’m doing the right thing”.

Wike urged the SSDC team to work as a cohesive unit, maintain discipline in project execution, avoid liabilities, resist pressures for undue contract awards and ensure fiscal responsibility.

“Today, you are united because there’s no project and no money yet. But the moment ₦50 billion drops and someone spends it without approval, fights will start. Don’t let that be your legacy,” he cautioned.

Wike applauded the qualifications of the commissioners and directors, noting that the South-South region expects a different and exemplary performance.

“In the name of the South-South region, show a difference. Don’t make Mr. President think he made a mistake. Give him that happiness and go along with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he added.

Responding, Ms Akpabio assured the Minister that the Commission would not betray its mandate.

“On behalf of the good people of the South-South Development Commission, be assured that we are fully committed to delivering on our mandate to drive regional development and economic growth,” she said, adding that the Commission would strengthen its liaison office in Abuja to ensure robust engagement with federal agencies.