The Federal Capital Territory is facing a growing environmental emergency as waste management systems have completely broken down across Abuja, prompting urgent calls for intervention from the highest levels of government.
Presidential Aide Sounds Alarm
Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, raised the red flag on Friday morning through his official X account. He described the situation as a "Matter of Particular Concern" that requires immediate attention from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
"My own Matter of Particular Concern is the state of waste management and disposal in Abuja," Ajayi stated. "Something has certainly broken with waste management and collection in Abuja that requires urgent fixing."
The presidential aide painted a grim picture of the capital city, noting that refuse is taking over the city while calling on Minister Wike to pay immediate attention to the growing crisis.
Public Health Crisis Looms
Ajayi acknowledged Wike's achievements in expanding road infrastructure and restarting abandoned road projects and bridges, describing these accomplishments as "very visible." However, he emphasized that the minister must now shift focus to avert an impending public health disaster.
"The Minister must now avert public health crisis with heaps of refuse and odious stench taking over public spaces," Ajayi warned, highlighting the severity of the environmental hazard facing Abuja residents.
Falana Enters Fray with Legal Demands
Meanwhile, prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has entered the scene with separate demands concerning Minister Wike's conduct. Speaking on Thursday at the opening of the Legal Year of the Faculty of Law, University of Abuja, Falana called on President Tinubu to compel Wike to apologize for using uncomplimentary comments against a serving naval officer.
The confrontation occurred during a dispute over a piece of land in Abuja belonging to a former Chief of Naval Staff. Falana stated that while Wike was carrying out his statutory responsibilities under Section 11 of the Land Use Act, his failure to exercise emotional intelligence and use of derogatory language toward the military officer was unacceptable.
"On no ground should a minister force himself and abuse the military officer. No minister has the power to call any Nigerian a fool," Falana asserted. "Mr President should compel the minister to apologise. He was lucky he was not shot."
The senior lawyer also faulted the military officer for preventing the minister from performing his legal duties, describing the orders the officer claimed to be acting upon as "illegal." However, he commended the officer for maintaining his composure despite the provocation.
The event was organized by the Law Students Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN), UNIABUJA Chapter, and also addressed the Federal Government's move to have former Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, serve the remainder of his prison sentence in Nigeria.
