Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says his promise to gift each councillor in Abuja N10 million if they deliver their wards for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections is reward for political mobilisation.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja during monitoring of
ongoing projects, Wike said the N10 million pledge is not a vote-buying
strategy.
On Monday, the FCT minister asked councillors to deliver
their wards for Tinubu in the 2027 elections and get the cash reward.
Wike made the promise during a rainbow coalition
stakeholders’ meeting attended by traditional rulers, political stakeholders
and residents in the Kwali area council of the FCT.
Doubling down on his earlier remarks, the FCT minister
juxtaposed his promise with a parent’s pledge to purchase a car or house for a
child who graduates with a first-class degree from the university.
Wike said he did not ask the FCT councillors to collect
money to purchase votes during the elections.
The FCT minister added that reward system is a global
practice, noting that politicians in other climes also hand incentives to
facilitate political mobilisation.
“It is only trained journalists or reasonable persons who
understand the difference between a reward and a bribe,” NAN quoted the
minister as saying.
“You tell your son, ‘I want a first class from you. Get a
first class, and you get a house or a brand new car.’ Just go and work hard.
“That is what we are bringing. I didn’t say take this money
and go and buy voters; I said go and work and show commitment.
“Vote-buying is giving someone money to go and vote for a
specific candidate.
“Media houses collect millions for prime-time slots to let voters know what candidates
offer, but when you tell your constituents or party workers you will reward
their hard work, critics call it bribery.”
The FCT minister dismissed allegations that opposition
parties are not being given the level playing field to campaign due to
restriction of access to facilities.
“Who is not allowing the opposition to campaign? I know they
held a rally the other day in a state stadium,” the FCT minister said.
“In Rivers, I don’t think anybody has complained to you that
we are not allowing them to campaign.
“Let them go to the main stadiums, mobilise, and talk to the
people.”
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com