Suspend FCT Movement Restriction over Polls, Kingibe Urges Wike

The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to review and suspend the movement restriction imposed ahead of Saturday’s FCT Local Government elections.

The minister had on Thursday declared Friday a work-free day and announced a restriction of movement from 8 p.m. on Friday to 6 p.m. on Saturday as part of security measures for the polls.

In a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Matilda Duncan, Kingibe condemned what she described as the unilateral imposition of a curfew, characterising the action as “authoritarian, ill-considered, and unacceptable in a democratic society.”

She said the decision to impose a curfew across the FCT without broad consultation with critical stakeholders was a direct affront to democratic governance and 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,” the senator said.

While acknowledging the need to maintain law and order, Kingibe stressed that security concerns should not serve as a blanket justification for what she termed executive overreach.

According to her, the curfew risks inflicting severe economic hardship on small businesses, workers and families who rely on daily income for survival. She also noted that international engagements and social events could be affected.

She said members of the ECOWAS Parliament are expected to arrive in Abuja for a 10-day extraordinary meeting starting Sunday, adding that weddings, receptions, planned functions, and diplomatic activities could be disrupted.

“Curfews are only warranted when there are serious security breaches, and there are none. This is only Area Council elections,” she said.

Kingibe further stated that decisions of such magnitude should not be taken without cause, consultation with stakeholders and adherence to 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 added.

The senator urged the minister to immediately review and suspend the restriction, insisting that “the rights, freedoms and economic well-being of the people of the FCT must never be compromised by arbitrary, authoritarian and draconian executive action.”