Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
THE Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has called on Nigerians to abandon what he termed the “endless redistribution of grievance” in favour of a political culture rooted in collective responsibility, accountability and nation-building.
Mr Wike made the appeal on Thursday whilst delivering the keynote address at the Idoma Hall of Fame ceremony in Abuja.
The minister acknowledged that concerns over marginalisation remain a legitimate part of democratic engagement. However, he argued that such agitations ought to serve as a pathway towards strengthening institutions rather than fuelling persistent divisions.
Expressing concern at the declining level of citizens’ participation in recent general elections, Mr Wike urged political parties to redefine their relationship with the electorate, treating Nigerians as active partners in governance rather than mere tools for winning electoral contests.
He called for a shift away from the politics of entitlement and sectional claims towards a system in which leaders prioritise service delivery and expand opportunities for all citizens.
“We must move from the politics of ‘our turn’ to the politics of ‘our responsibility’,” Mr Wike said.
“‘Our turn’ asks: When will our people get power? ‘Our responsibility’ asks: What will we do with power when it comes? ‘Our turn’ asks: How much of the national cake belongs to us? ‘Our responsibility’ asks: How do we make the cake larger, and how do we distribute it fairly?”
The minister maintained that Nigeria’s quest for unity would remain difficult unless political power is viewed not as a possession or entitlement of any group, but as a temporary mandate entrusted to leaders to improve the lives, dignity and welfare of every Nigerian, irrespective of ethnic background or religious belief.
Mr Wike’s remarks come amid ongoing national debates over representation, resource allocation and the conduct of political parties ahead of future electoral cycles.
