From:Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
The Renewed Hope Movement of Nigeria has urged a thorough and unbiased investigation into the alleged assassination attempt on Lt. A.M. Yerima, who recently had a confrontation with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
Amb. Yusuf Kanhu, the group’s National Coordinator, expressed concern in a statement made available to the media in Kaduna.
He noted that the incident might be politicized, with some viewing it as a plot to remove Wike from office.
Kanhu highlighted the suspicious timing of the alleged attempt, coinciding with demands from some northern elites for Wike’s removal.
He believes this raises concerns about a potential “grand northern agenda” to control the Federal Capital Territory. The group argues that Wike’s appointment as FCT Minister faced opposition from individuals who felt that leadership in Abuja should be dominated by one region and religion, a mentality Kanhu describes as “divisive and detrimental to national unity.”
The alleged assassination attempt follows a heated dispute between Wike and Yerima over a contested land site in Gaduwa District, Abuja.
The incident has led to widespread criticism, with military veterans condemning Wike’s remarks and warning against any disciplinary actions against Yerima.
The Renewed Hope Movement is calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure a credible investigation and to protect Wike from what they perceive as a concerted effort to undermine him. They caution that if these concerns remain unaddressed, Nigeria could be designated internationally as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
The FCT Police Command has denied any reports of the alleged assassination attempt, stating that no such incident has been recorded within the Federal Capital Territory.
