The Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Danjuma Shekwolo, has denied threatening to expel residents who do not support the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he has no authority to deprive any citizen of their fundamental rights.
Shekwolo made the clarification on Wednesday after a video in which he appeared to demand support for the APC or departure from the council drew public criticism.
In the viral video, the chairman had said, “I have said in my area council, it’s either you are doing APC or leave the area council. I am not arguing with you.”
However, explaining the circumstances surrounding the statement in another video seen by Channels Television on Wednesday, Shekwolo said his comments were made during a meeting with APC youths and loyalists and had subsequently been taken out of context.
According to the council chairman, the meeting focused on issues including administrative efficiency, local development and the welfare of communities in the area council.
“The remarks in question were made in a specific context aimed at addressing administrative efficiency, local development, and community welfare. You may recall that event that led to the unfortunate incident was a meeting with the APC party youths and loyalties,” he said.
Shekwolo stressed that political affiliation could not be used as a basis to deny residents their rights, acknowledging the limits of his powers as chairman.
“And as the Executive Chairman of Kuje Area Council, I have no right to disenfranchise any residents or citizen of their fundamental human rights in the council,” he said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to governing all communities in Kuje on the principles of inclusion and fairness, regardless of political differences.
“At no point did I intend to cause disaffection, undermine any group, or promote policies that do not serve the best interest of our citizens,” Shekwolo said.
The chairman also called on residents and other stakeholders to support the development of the council despite differences in political, religious or ethnic affiliations.
“I urge the people of Kuje Area Council and the general public, regardless of their political affiliation, religious, or ethnic difference, to join hands with the administration to make Kuje the area council of our dreams,” he said.
Shekwolo further appealed to journalists to verify the circumstances surrounding statements before reporting them, describing the media and government as “partners in progress.”
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