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Tag: Nyesom Wike

  • FHA Demolishes Near-Completed Abuja Estate Over Illegal Construction on Diplomatic Land

    The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has demolished a near-completed residential estate in Abuja worth several billions of naira after declaring that the development was illegally constructed on land designated for diplomatic residences.

    The demolition, carried out with heavy equipment, followed the agency’s determination that the project violated land-use regulations and the Abuja Master Plan.

    Estate built on diplomatic land, FHA says

    According to the FHA, the land was originally allocated for diplomatic purposes during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo when Nasir El-Rufai served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

    Authorities said the developers proceeded with construction despite receiving stop-work notices and queries, adding that the estate lacked the required approvals for the site.

    The demolition forms part of the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s ongoing enforcement of development control regulations under FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

    Mixed reactions trail demolition

    The action has generated widespread reactions, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the destruction of a project that was close to completion amid the country’s housing shortage.

    Some questioned why construction was allowed to progress to such an advanced stage before enforcement action was taken, while others argued that strict compliance with planning regulations is necessary to preserve the integrity of the Abuja Master Plan.

    Supporters of the demolition maintained that developments on land reserved for embassies and other public purposes cannot be allowed to stand, regardless of the level of investment.

    Authorities are yet to disclose whether the developers will face further legal action or if compensation issues will arise.

  • Isaac Fayose Questions Timing of Oyo Kidnapping, Mentions Wike in Viral Video

    Political commentator Isaac Fayose has generated reactions online after questioning the timing of the recent kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State and linking it to political remarks he attributed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

    Fayose made the comments in a video shared on social media while discussing the abduction incident that occurred in parts of Oyo State.

    Claims Over Political Comments

    In the video, Fayose referenced a statement he claimed was made by Wike against Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

    “Wike said, and I quote, he said, ‘I will put fire in your state, Governor Seyi Makinde, I will put fire in Oyo State,’” Fayose alleged.

    He suggested that the timing of the kidnapping incident and ongoing political activities in the state raised questions that should not be ignored.

    According to him, the attack occurred around a period when political events involving the governor were attracting public attention.

    Questions Over Recent Remarks

    Fayose also referred to comments allegedly made by Wike days after the kidnapping incident, claiming they added to his suspicions.

    “Three days ago, this same Wike mocked Governor Seyi Makinde that shey be, I told you, I will put fire in your state,” he said.

    The commentator argued that the sequence of events warranted closer scrutiny, though he did not provide evidence linking any individual to the attack.

    Calls for Investigation

    Fayose further criticised suggestions that Governor Makinde could be connected to the kidnapping, describing such claims as difficult to comprehend.

    He also referenced past security challenges in Rivers State during Wike’s tenure as governor, arguing that politicians should be held accountable for their public statements.

    “Nigerians, we have to shine our eyes well well. If to say we dey country where law dey work, I’m sure DSS or police for don call Wike now for questioning,” he said.

    Growing Debate

    His remarks have added to the growing debate surrounding the Oyo school abduction, which has attracted national attention and prompted calls for the safe rescue of the victims.

    Neither Wike nor his office has publicly responded to Fayose’s allegations as of the time of filing this report.

  • Wike Questions ADC, NDC Credibility Over Primary Election Disputes

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised opposition parties over controversies surrounding their congresses and primary elections, saying recent developments have exposed their claims of promoting internal democracy.

    Wike made the remarks during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Monday while commenting on disputes that emerged from recent exercises conducted by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

    Wike Questions Opposition’s Claims

    According to the former Rivers State governor, opposition parties had consistently accused larger political parties such as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of imposing candidates on members.

    He argued that the same allegations are now being directed at parties that previously presented themselves as a better alternative.

    “You hear people talk about a particular party not doing something and promise that they are going to change the pattern. You have accused the APC of imposition, the PDP of imposition,” Wike said.

    “Now you have formed a new party, a new baby, a righteous baby. The messiah, the saviour that would come, what has happened now?”

    ADC, NDC Come Under Criticism

    Wike cited disputes that followed congresses and primary elections in ADC and NDC, saying the controversies weakened their public image.

    “ADC said they are the new face of democracy; they said it’s the kind of party that has not been polluted. What has happened is so dirty,” he said.

    “See what is happening in NDC. As small as they are, they cannot do a primary without protest.”

    The minister also referred to complaints raised by aspirants during party exercises, describing them as evidence of internal problems.

    Reference to ADC Presidential Primary

    Wike specifically mentioned the ADC presidential primary, which was rejected by presidential aspirants Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen over alleged irregularities and voter disenfranchisement.

    “Look at ADC, which said it’s a coalition to take over. While the congress was going on, two presidential aspirants came to say we cannot believe this, saying it’s criminality of the highest order, which tells you who is deceiving whom,” he said.

    Preference for Established Parties

    The FCT minister said Nigerians should assess political parties based on their actions rather than campaign promises.

    “Nigerians now know that you are all liars,” he added.

    Wike maintained that older political parties, despite their shortcomings, have gained experience in managing Nigeria’s political system.

    “My assessment is that I prefer the old parties that are already there. They have tested it and know what the Nigerian culture is all about,” he said.

  • Wike Mocks Aisha Yesufu Over Failed FCT Senate Bid in NDC Primary

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at activist Aisha Yesufu following her inability to emerge as the senatorial candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the FCT ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Wike made the remarks on Saturday during a luncheon for candidates of the Rainbow Coalition in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    He mocked the outspoken activist, describing her as someone who speaks “grammar” but could not secure victory in what he called a simple party primary.

    Wike’s Remarks

    According to Wike, Yesufu had previously criticised him as a government appointee, insisting she had no business engaging with political office holders.

    He said:

    “There’s one woman who said Wike is an appointee of government and that she has no business with appointees. You speak grammar, speak grammar.

    “Ordinary primary of NDC, not APC or PDP, just ordinary NDC, what happened? She didn’t make it.

    “It’s easy for people to talk. When they enter into those media houses, they begin to churn out data from nowhere.

    “Now, the time for data has come. What happened? Fa fa fa foul. It didn’t work. If e didn’t dey? E didn’t dey.”

    Background to the Dispute

    Aisha Yesufu had earlier accused the NDC of undermining its internal democratic process in the selection of its FCT senatorial candidate, alleging that the exercise was manipulated to favour a predetermined outcome.

    Her comments and political involvement have continued to generate reactions across political and civic spaces, especially as the build-up to the 2027 elections intensifies.

  • Wike Accuses Fubara of Breaching Impeachment Deal Over Second-Term Move

    Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has accused Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of violating a political agreement by pursuing a second-term ambition ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

    Wike made the remarks on Monday while inspecting ongoing and completed infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory, including the Renewed Hope City project in Kassara and the City Gate development being handled by Julius Berger.

    Wike Speaks On Impeachment Agreement

    According to the former Rivers governor, an understanding had earlier been reached that impeachment proceedings against Fubara would be halted on the condition that the governor would not pursue another term in office.

    Wike claimed Fubara breached the agreement by obtaining governorship nomination forms.

    “In the first place, he ought not to have collected the form because the agreement was reached that the impeachment should be dropped, while he should also not talk about a second tenure,” Wike said.

    “With collecting form first, he didn’t show sign of gentlemanship.”

    He further stated that repeated interventions by Bola Ahmed Tinubu had helped calm the political crisis in Rivers State.

    Backs Kingsley Chinda

    Wike also endorsed Kingsley Chinda as a strong candidate, praising his political experience and legislative record.

    “A good product markets itself. Everybody knows that Kingsley Chinda is the material,” he stated.

    The minister added that Chinda’s profile and influence made him a respected political figure across party lines.

    Projects Ready For Commissioning

    During the inspection tour, Wike commended contractors handling several FCT projects and said many of the developments were nearing completion and ready for inauguration.

    He specifically praised First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for conceptualising the City Gate project, describing it as one of her signature initiatives.

    According to him, Julius Berger assured the administration that the project would be delivered by the end of May or early June.

  • “Rivers People Have Entered One Chance” — VeryDarkMan Reacts to Kingsley Chinda’s APC Primary Win, Reopens 2024 Allegation

    Social media commentator VeryDarkMan has reacted after Kingsley Chinda emerged winner of the All Progressives Congress governorship primary in Rivers State.

    In a video shared on his social media page, the activist revisited a 2024 allegation involving Chinda and former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike, over claims linked to a disputed land allocation in Abuja.

    “Rivers People Have Entered One Chance”

    VeryDarkMan did not hold back in his reaction, expressing shock over the development and linking it to earlier political claims he had made.

    “Rivers State people have entered one chance. This is the same Kingsley Chinda I posted about in 2024 during the issue of land in Abuja, where Wike allegedly allocated land to him,” he said.

    He alleged that the land in question was originally owned by private individuals before it was revoked and reassigned under controversial circumstances.

    According to him, the development raises concerns about how political power and influence are used in governance.

    Fresh Allegations Revisited

    The activist further claimed that the land, located in a strategic area, could have significant financial value if later sold or developed.

    He also alleged that political decisions in Rivers State are often shaped by influence and control rather than public interest.

    “Wike revoked the land from the rightful owners who had original documents, then allocated it to Kingsley Chinda, possibly so it could be sold later for millions because of its strategic location,” he added.

    Rivers Political Tensions Resurface

    VeryDarkMan also weighed in on the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, suggesting that power struggles continue to shape leadership outcomes in the state.

    He further alleged that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had faced political pressure due to internal party conflicts, linking the situation to broader governance issues.

    He also criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, blaming the administration for worsening political and governance challenges.

    Mixed Reactions Trail Comments

    The video has since sparked widespread debate online, with Nigerians divided over the allegations, the APC primary outcome, and the broader political climate in Rivers State.

    While some users supported his claims, others dismissed them as political commentary ahead of future elections.

     

  • Wike-Backed PDP Begins Screening Of Presidential, Governorship Aspirants Ahead Of 2027

    The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by Nyesom Wike has commenced the screening of presidential, governorship and national assembly aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the party’s National Working Committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed.

    Screening Holds In Abuja

    The statement, signed by Chinwe Nnorom on behalf of Jungudo Mohammed, the party’s national publicity secretary, stated that the screening exercise was taking place at the PDP national secretariat annex, Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja.

    According to the party, governorship aspirants were scheduled for screening at noon, while presidential aspirants were fixed for 2pm.

    The PDP also announced that former Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, is chairing the presidential screening committee, with Hassan Sokodobo serving as secretary.

    Other members of the committee include former senators George Sekibo and Zainab Kure alongside other party stakeholders.

    Makarfi Heads Governorship Screening Panel

    The governorship screening committee is being chaired by former Kaduna State governor, Ahmed Makarfi.

    George Ariolu was named secretary of the panel, while Ibrahim Umar, Aisha Madawaki and Tajudeen Yusuf were listed among committee members.

    Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Completes Screening

    Meanwhile, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed that she had successfully completed the PDP screening exercise ahead of the Kogi Central senatorial primary election.

    Speaking after the exercise in Lokoja, the senator said she arrived with all required credentials and supporting documents.

    “I am pleased to have successfully completed the screening exercise as part of the process ahead of the party primaries for the 2027 Kogi Central Senatorial Election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party,” she said.

    She described the process as part of her continued commitment to representation and service.

    More Aspirants Cleared

    Muhammed Abdullahi, popularly known as “Elephant,” also announced that he had been screened and cleared to contest the PDP primary for Kogi East Senatorial District.

    In Cross River State, the PDP disclosed that 45 aspirants seeking national assembly and state assembly tickets had also been screened ahead of the party’s May 21 primaries.

    The exercise was conducted by a five-man panel headed by Fred Osim.

    One of the aspirants screened was Alex Egbona, who recently defected from the APC to the PDP.

  • Wike Slams Nigerians Over Tax Compliance, Says Citizens Want Infrastructure Without Paying Tax

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised Nigerians over what he described as a widespread reluctance to pay taxes despite demanding quality infrastructure from government.

    Wike made the remarks on Wednesday while inspecting ongoing road projects in the Federal Capital Territory.

    “Nigerians don’t like to pay tax” — Wike

    The former Rivers State governor said many Nigerians often criticise tax-related enforcement but fail to meet their civic responsibilities.

    “I’m not trying to defend AMAC when it comes to the issue of tax, Nigerians don’t like to pay tax but they can call you all sorts of names when it has to do with taxes,” he said.

    Wike added that while tax collection must be done in a “civilised way,” compliance remains a major challenge.

    “But knowing what we experienced too about payment of taxes, it would be difficult for me to say that they are right,” he added.

    Call for balance between rights and responsibilities

    The minister maintained that citizens expect improved infrastructure but are often unwilling to contribute through taxation.

    “Nigerians want good infrastructure but don’t want to pay tax. They want everything free in this country,” Wike said.

    His comments come amid ongoing public debates over tax reforms introduced under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which have faced criticism due to rising economic hardship following the removal of fuel subsidy.

  • Wike Slams Obi Over Defection, Questions His Leadership Record

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi over his recent defection to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

    Wike made the remarks on Wednesday during his monthly media briefing in Abuja.

    Wike questions Obi’s political track record

    The minister accused Obi of failing to stabilise political parties he has been associated with, describing his movements as a pattern.

    He said Obi’s political journey from APGA to PDP, Labour Party and now NDC reflects an inability to manage internal crises.

    “Obi was in APGA. He couldn’t build the APGA… He came to the PDP, he ran away. He went to Labour, there was crisis, he couldn’t fix it. He left again,” Wike said.

    “Looking for where food is ready”

    Wike argued that Obi’s decisions appear driven by personal interest rather than commitment to party development.

    “All he is looking for is where food is ready. ‘Mama put’. Who will stabilise if you cannot stabilise?” he added.

    Criticism extends to ADC exit

    He also referenced Obi’s brief association with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), noting that his exit from the party further reinforces concerns about consistency.

    According to Wike, leadership requires the ability to confront and resolve challenges, not withdraw from them.

    Supreme Court remarks questioned

    The FCT minister also pointed to Obi’s reaction to the Supreme Court ruling on the ADC leadership dispute, alleging contradictions.

    He said while Obi initially praised the judgement, some of his supporters later questioned it, raising concerns about coherence in his political stance.

  • Wike Fires Back After Pastor’s Emotional Plea Over Jabi Lake

    FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has reacted to a viral appeal by Pastor Sarah Omakwu, dismissing emotional pressure over the proposed development of the Jabi Lake recreation area in Abuja.

    The response came during his Wednesday media briefing, days after the cleric publicly pleaded against any private takeover of the site.

    Pastor’s plea sparks public attention

    Omakwu, Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre, had gone on her knees in a video, urging the minister not to allocate the lake area to private interests.

    “I cannot fight the minister… but I go on my knees… that Jabi Lake Recreation Centre should not be given to anybody,” she said.

    The emotional appeal quickly gained traction online.

    “I’m not moved by emotions” — Wike replies

    Reacting, Wike said governance cannot be driven by sentiment, stressing that not everyone will agree with government decisions.

    “I’m human in this government and you don’t expect everybody to be happy,” he said.

    He questioned the basis of the claim, asking who owns the lake and why individuals would assume control over public assets.

    Concerns over current state of the area

    Wike explained that the location had previously been allocated to a company for development but had deteriorated into what he described as shanties.

    He said the condition of the area raised security and environmental concerns.

    “There is a hotel there… who would come and stay when there are shanties all over? You don’t know if there are criminals,” he added.

    Debate over public space and development

    The exchange has sparked wider conversations about urban development, public access, and government decision-making in the FCT.

    While some support redevelopment efforts, others insist the lake should remain a public recreational space.