Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed criticisms from individuals described as “hustlers masquerading as activists,” vowing not to be distracted by their antics.

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the FCT Minister, in a statement on Saturday, accused certain critics of operating as “professional scammers” who thrive on blackmailing public officials.

Olayinka alleged that the ongoing backlash against Wike stems from the minister’s refusal to yield to their demands for patronage.

“While growing up in Okemesi Ekiti, my grandfather taught me never to wrestle with pigs because, at the end of the fight, sane minds won’t be able to differentiate between you and the pig,” Olayinka said. “As a matter of principle, we won’t dignify some people with a response.”

Olayinka accused some self-styled activists of exploiting their platforms for personal gain, including misappropriating funds and leveraging blackmail schemes to extort public officials.

“Some of these so-called activists jump from one platform to another because Wike has refused to play their ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ games. Their tactics are simple: make noise in the media or organize protests, then send emissaries to negotiate payments. Once paid, they move on to their next targets,” he claimed.

Citing personal encounters, Olayinka recounted how, in 2016, an individual approached him during his bid for the National Publicity Secretary position of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with a proposition to monetize activism by attacking public officials.

“Today, that same individual parades himself as an activist. But Wike is not someone who plays their games, and that’s why they are frustrated,” Olayinka added.

Addressing allegations of land grabbing against Wike, Olayinka challenged accusers to present evidence. He argued that the ongoing removal of shanties in the FCT, which some have criticized as land grabbing, was necessary for public safety.

“Calling the removal of shanties that pose security threats ‘land grabbing’ is an indication of wasted education,” he said. “People occupied lands without authorization, built houses under trees using planks and tarpaulins, and turned them into settlements. These are not legitimate claims to land.”

Citing the case of a shanty in Wuye near a residential estate and rail line, Olayinka said the occupants admitted they had no authority to occupy the land and acknowledged that the settlement had been cleared 22 times under previous administrations.

“Their only request was relocation, and their representatives met with the FCT Ministry on Tuesday. If this is what these hustler-activists are labeling as land grabbing, I pity those who still believe in their credibility,” he stated.

The Governor Uba Sani led Kaduna State Government has announced a plan in partnership with international agencies to build 102 new schools, renovate 170 others and return 200,000 out-of-school children back to school.

The Project Coordinator, Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROSC), Ezra Angai, who led an advocacy visit to the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon. Liman Dahiru, reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to providing quality and affordable education for every child.

Angai said the State Government has partnered with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Education Above All (EAA), Save the Children International (SCI), and UNICEF to address the pressing issue of out-of-school children.

Explaining that the project is an initiative of the Kaduna State Government to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the state, Angai said, the administration of Senator Uba Sani has been particular about education and the need to reduce the number of out-of-school children.

The Project Coordinator while noting that the initiative would be implemented over a four-year period across the 23 local government areas of the State, said the specific objectives of the project include, to improve access to quality education through the construction of 102 schools and the renovation of 170 schools.

Former majority leader of the Senate, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Daniel Bwala as special adviser on Public Communications and Media.

This is even as he urged Bwala to seek forgiveness from the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, “whose appointment made him to leave APC because he is a Muslim.”

Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, a position that places him as Bwala’s Senator, in a statement in Abuja, noted that Tinubu has demonstrated through Bwala’s appointment that he is a leader with a large heart.

Bwala served as the spokesman of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 Presidential election campaigns.

Ndume said: “I wish to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Daniel Bwala as his special adviser on public communication and media.

“This gesture deserves serious applause particularly in view of the roles played by Bwala in recent past.

“Bwala’s appointment is a rare demonstration of large heartedness in leadership; a quality that is difficult to find in many leaders today.”

Recall that Bwala is among the persons recently appointed by President Tinubu to serve in the prestigious position of special Adviser to the President on public communication and media.

Ndume advised Bwala to seek forgiveness from the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, whose appointment made him to leave APC because he is a Muslim.

Ndume urged Bwala to “work with him (the Vice President) closely too as your second principal to promote the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.

“You should also learn from Sunday Dare and (Bayo) Onanuga who are long and loyal associates of Tinubu, who always defend the policies of Mr President without being abusive or offensive.

“You should also learn from the likes of Hadiza Bala and Nuhu Ribadu (NSA) who defend and market Tinubu’s policies backed by facts and figures.

“You should also link up with our people at the grassroots because charity begins from home.

“Finally, I wish you success in your new assignment,” the lawmaker added.