FCT election: Wike announces work-free day, restriction of movement

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has has announced restriction of movement and declared Friday work-free day ahead of Saturday’s FCT area councils’ election.

Wike disclosed this in a special broadcast on Thursday.

He said the restriction of movement will be from 8:00p.m. on Friday to 6:00p.m. on Saturday.

According to the Minister, the work-free day was approved by President Bola Tinubu to enable movement of residents to their various communities to participate in the elections.

He equally said that Tinubu also approved the restriction of movement within the FCT from 8:00p.m. of Friday, to 6:p.m. of Saturday.

“Consequently, all security agencies are directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive,” he said.

He urged residents of the FCT to come out en masse to vote for candidates of their choice.

“On Saturday, Feb. 21, we will all have a crucial opportunity to shape the future of our great FCT.

“The election of either new or returning Chairmen and Councilors for the six Area Councils is a momentous occasion, and I urge you to come out in your numbers to exercise your right to vote.

“I urge you to go to the polls with a sense of purpose and responsibility.

“As we exercise our democratic right, let us do so in an orderly and lawful manner. Let us respect the rules, respect each other, and respect the outcome of the election.

“We must show the world that we are a mature and responsible electorate, capable of conducting ourselves with dignity and decorum,” he said.

The minister expressed confidence that the election would facilitate the emergence of quality leaders that would contribute meaningfully to the development, peace and prosperity in the FCT.

“Together, let us build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our territory,” he urged.

The election will hold across six area councils; Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.

The poll will be conducted in 68 constituencies, covering the election of chairmen and their deputies as well as councillors across 62 wards.

Each council has 10 wards, except AMAC, which has 12 due to its larger population.

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) INEC National Commissioner in-charge of FCT, Muhammad Haruna had noted that FCT election was very important to Nigerians and the commission, hence the need to ensure it must be successful.

He said that by the Constitution of Nigeria, the FCT Area Council election remained the only election conducted by INEC and it has become reference point for conduct of local government elections in the country.

“We all testify to the fact that since 1999, it’s only this council election that has been consistent,” Haruna said.

INEC’s revised voter register indicated that a total of 1,680,315 are on the register to vote in the election.