The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has firmly denied allegations of land grabbing against his administration, challenging accusers to provide proof and pledging to step down if any wrongdoing is established.
Gatekeepers News reports that speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Monday, the minister described the claims as baseless and driven by individuals who have failed to develop lands allocated to them.
“If you find that I grabbed land illegally, I will resign as Minister,” Wike declared. “Everything people come out to claim, they cannot substantiate. What is all this issue of land grabbing? Do you grab what you control?”
The former Rivers State governor argued that what critics label as “land grabbing” is simply the enforcement of development terms attached to land allocations in the FCT. According to him, several beneficiaries have held on to parcels for up to two decades without undertaking any development, contrary to the conditions of grant.
“Some people held land for 15 to 20 years and did nothing. We said, develop it within six months or we take it back,” he said.
Wike’s comments follow growing concerns in some quarters over the revocation of land titles and the reallocation of prime plots, particularly in high-value districts such as areas surrounding Jabi Lake, where fresh projects are underway.
Although he declined to provide details of the ongoing developments, the minister insisted that the actions were guided by public interest and urban renewal goals.
“People took that land around Jabi for years and nothing happened. Now they say we are grabbing land. Why don’t you like to be surprised? It will be something you will be very happy about when it is done,” he stated.
Wike maintained that effective leadership requires firmness rather than popularity.
“Leadership is not about pleasing everybody. I take decisions, and I don’t go back. It may hurt you, but it’s for the growth of the FCT,” he said, adding that he would not bow to blackmail or external pressure.
Responding to criticism of his leadership style, the minister said he was unconcerned about winning personal approval.
“I’m not looking for friendship. I don’t do that. I do my job. Whether you like me or hate me, you cannot be blind to what is going on in Abuja. No matter how you abuse me, you cannot take away what is visible,” he said.
Using a metaphor to underline his confidence, Wike added: “When a lizard falls from a tree, it looks around and nods to itself. I know what I’m doing.”
On waste management in the capital, the minister acknowledged that while improvements have been made, challenges persist.
“Have we improved? Yes or no? We cannot say we have done 100 per cent, but we are doing our best,” he said, warning that officials responsible for shortcomings in refuse evacuation could face dismissal.
